This year KRHS got a new principal and a few changes. One major change comes from Virginia’s restrictions on student cell phone use during the school day. Other changes at Kettle Run include most of the bathrooms being locked during portions of class changes and a much stricter enforcement of the existing dress code that aligns with the Code of Conduct.
A lot of students had things to say about these changes. Because the interviewees requested to be anonymous, they are identified only by their grade level.
Starting with the bathroom changes, most of the KRHS bathrooms are closed for the last 10 minutes of class, the 5-minute class change, and the first 5 minutes of the next class. The bathrooms have a reason for being closed, as admin and staff noticed students vandalizing bathrooms and participating in other unsafe activities that are prohibited at school. Using the Securly pass system, your teachers can see where you go, where you’re coming from, and how long it takes. KRHS has decided to limit each student to only 4 passes per day.
Some students expressed concerns about the bathroom restrictions. A ninth grader stated: “I believe locking bathrooms is a student safety hazard because it is an important bodily function that cleanses the digestive system. Also, lack of restroom use can cause UTIs.” *This is a student opinion, not a medical fact*
An eleventh grader expressed concern about the distance to available bathrooms and the pass system. “Having the bathrooms locked isn’t very reasonable because the bathrooms are so far away and you almost always have to wait in the queue.”
Another student questions what would happen in an emergency. “What if it’s an emergency and I have to wait in line? I mean, the pass system is fine, but limiting us to only 4 passes a day is kind of annoying.”
We also consulted a teacher about the bathroom changes. She said, “I think it’s frustrating for everyone.”
The phone policy also changed this year, with restrictions coming from the state of Virginia. Most students say they still carry their phones with them for safety reasons. One eleventh-grade student expressed frustration with how broadly the restrictions apply throughout the school day. “I don’t like that you can’t use your phones before the bell, during lunch, or during class changes,” the student said. “Also, the AirPod policy is dumb. If my phone isn’t bothering anyone, then why can’t I have it if I finished my work?”
Another eleventh-grader questioned whether students would consistently follow the rule. “I don’t like them, it’s inconvenient and nobody is going to listen. It’s not that it affects my personal learning but I know a lot of people still sneak their phones either way,”
A teacher also shared support for the policy while questioning one part of its enforcement. “I support it, but you shouldn’t have to wait until you are outside.”
Our last policy we will discuss is the dress code. Last year, the dress code prohibited pajama pants, tank tops/spaghetti straps, “see through” shirts, hats/head covers, along with clothing that exposes undergarments, the midriff, chest, back, or buttocks. The dress code is not new, but students and teachers say it is being more strictly enforced this year.
One teacher described the expectations as difficult to interpret. “It’s a little harsh for me, I think that most teachers consider it a gray area.”
An eleventh grader questions some of the specific clothing restrictions. “Why can’t we wear tank tops? Shoulders are shoulders, everybody has them. In my opinion, the dress code is too strict.”
A ninth grader also criticized the policy, saying, “The dress code is too far in my opinion and it’s also sexist,” Another eleventh grader focused on how different the enforcement feels compared with last year. “Nobody really cared last year so it’s a big change for the students who’ve been here before. It’s a little ridiculous.”
A teacher also acknowledged the change in enforcement, stating, “I think that it is a huge adjustment for all of us.”
We also talked to Amanda Dorr, the principal at KRHS. When asked about the issues the students are having with the bathrooms she said, “When I first came to Kettle Run, everyone was telling me that the bathrooms were unsafe, but this is not a policy, it is just a thing that we are trying to see what we can do to help.”
We made her aware that many of the teachers were refusing to let students go to the bathrooms during the last 15 minutes of class, the 5 minutes of class change, and the first 15 minutes of the next class. She was surprised and informed us that it is actually supposed to be 10/5/5, not 15/5/15. She also said teachers should follow the 10/5/5 system.
Dorr says, “Going to the bathroom is your right and should not be treated like a privilege. If we all work together, our bathrooms will stay safe.”
Another topic that we asked her about was the cell phone policy. Dorr clarified that the restrictions did not originate with her but that it is a state law. “We are not supposed to even have them in the building, but if you were to “accidentally” bring it, just keep it in your bag,” says Dorr.
When asked about the dress code she informed us that it is a misconception that it is new this year, and that it has been a rule for a while, it is just being enforced more this year. Principal Dorr says, “I am trying to be equitable, and part of our job is helping you be prepared for real life.” This policy is also not her rule, but a rule that was made by the county. Principal Dorr would like everyone to know that she will always do what is best for kids.
