What does the policy entail?
Under the new guidelines, students are only permitted to go to dedicated bathrooms during class, minus the first and last ten minutes of instructional time. Outside of each bathroom, a designated security guard or bathroom supervisor is present to ensure that students sign in and out on a MacBook. They document the time spent in bathrooms to catch students who spend unnecessary time in the lavatories during instructional hours.
One of the main reasons behind the policy’s implementation was because of the improper use of the bathrooms.
“Far too many people loitering and vaping in bathrooms. Discipline problems arose such as fights, bullying,” said Principal Mr. Charles K. Ross. “Acts of harassment including class cutting within bathrooms. Students who wanted to genuinely use the facilities couldn’t because of these acts.”
Accompanying the new bathroom procedures, new measures are being taken within Edison High School to limit phone usage inside classrooms and in the hallways. Within most classrooms, students either have to put away their phones in “phone cubbies,” also known as calculator holders, or put them away in their backpacks. Additionally, teachers have been instructed to confiscate any phones visible during class, displaying the change in leniency from last year.
“Off and away or it’s in the office for the day” is Ross’s new catchphrase.
Student Reactions
EHS students have mixed feelings towards the new policy.
“I think the bathroom policy is pretty convenient because now the bathrooms are less packed and comparatively cleaner,” said Seshanth Shyamsundar ‘27.
Edison High bathrooms are now tidier and less disruptive.
“Me personally [the bathroom policy] is helpful for bathrooms, there’s less vandalization and more organization, some people go to the bathrooms for a different purpose so I think it’s been very helpful,” said Matthew Weinbrenner ‘26.
Others expressed neutral views about the newly introduced phone restrictions, citing that it was not an inhibiting issue.
“I don’t care that much about the phone policy actually, it’s fine. Sometimes you forget your phone, but I don’t mind,” said Sai Arjit Anand ‘27.
However, not all students stand by the policy. Some students believe the phone policy restrictions create other concerns and lead to more problems rather than solutions.
“I think that the phone policy increases the risk of theft and it increases theft because they are all in the same general area when everyone is leaving,” said Winston Law ‘27.
“The main thing that I don’t like about the phone policy is how easy it is to forget your phone in one of the holders. It’s really annoying when you have to miss a part of class to go back and get your phone,” said Matt Wang ‘26.
Some students believe that phone usage should be allowed during free time such as while transitioning to another class in the hallways, finding restriction within this time impractical.
“I feel like you should, in all practicality, be able to go on your phone during free time,” said Advik Mishra ‘27. “It allows a small break from a stressful day.”
In addition, many students feel that the lack of clarity regarding which bathrooms are open or closed makes it inconvenient for them to access the bathrooms as needed.
“I find the bathroom policy to be horrendous due to the lack of frequent accessibility, especially in the mornings, and the gray area between schedules,” added Anand.
Effects on the school environment
Since the policy’s introduction, both students and staff alike have noticed changes. Teachers have seen that the policy has brought a positive change in student attitudes and outlook towards engagement within class.
“Yes, definitely, because it has the kids engaged more,” said Spanish teacher Ms. Alexandra Van De Wetering. “The thing is, if they’re not paying attention, they’re not part of the lesson. I’ve noticed it since the phones have been away, the kids have been more focused, and I’ve had more eyes on me than I had before.”
“Less kids are off-task in classrooms, as I walk by classrooms I see less students being on their phones,” said Ross.
The school community has noticed a calmer, more structured atmosphere, and finds the bathrooms to be more comfortable.
“I think that the bathroom policy is pretty good because it tells you what bathrooms are open and stops any inappropriate behavior, like now, they’re pretty clean,” said Law.
As the school community continues to adapt to these policies, the focus remains on fostering an environment that supports academic success. With ongoing routines, many are hopeful that these changes will lead to a more organized, focused, and positive school experience for all.
Starting off the 2024-25 school year, the Edison Board of Education implemented a newly improved bathroom and phone policy, kindling various reactions from students and teachers alike.
