So far in the 2023-2024 school year, the school has had more wildlife visitors than expected. From insects to rodents, the school has seen it all. Students have had to continue school while ignoring bees, ants, and mice. You might wonder, how far the animal problem can go, and what is being done to stop it?

The beginning of the school year started differently than others. The school had problems with its HVAC. While the air conditioning was being repaired, a friendly groundhog wabbled his way to Mrs. Miller’s room and eventually made the newspaper’s front page. There have also been some not-so-pleasant animals in the school this year. Bees swarmed the choir and band rooms. Luckily, the school was able to exterminate the bees.

Various students also commented on ants in Ms. Finch’s English room. 

“There were crumbs on the floor and the ants crowded around them,” seventh-grade student Madison Knopp stated. She has been one of the many students to notice the visitors this school has seen this year. She also mentioned, “I believe the school should do better with not allowing food in the hallways.”

There have also been many instances where mice have been a recurring problem. In sixth grade teacher Mrs. Ging’s room, mice have taken over. Traps were set to contain the problem but that didn’t stop them. Before Christmas break, nearly five mice were being caught every day. The mice enjoy warm areas where they can get access to food. Despite all of these former issues, the school does have an exterminator. According to Mr. Gary Mortimer, director of buildings and grounds, “They complete the main aspects of pest control, such as keeping us compliant with dietary regulations and general pest control.” The school also owes a shout-out to the custodians for cleaning up after the students and making sure that there is no food lying around. If we did not have them, the insect and animal issues would be far more severe. The school has seen quite a few visitors but nothing has stopped us.