BY NICHOLAS PAYIATIS
Students face a variety of challenges before school, whether that be getting extra sleep, finishing homework, or waking up late. These issues make it problematic to eat a complete breakfast prior to departing from home for the day. As a result, growls during fourth bell are heard as students’ stomachs moan and ache due to emptiness.
Muffled ruffles begin as students begin to quietly snack during lessons hiding the contraband under desks, in backpacks, and between layers of clothing. Assistant Principal Trevor Block notes, “No one is blind to the fact that students eat and drink in class.”
However, according to the Mariemont High School Student Handbook (2014-2015 edition), “Students may not eat or drink in the classroom or in study hall.” And separate rules outlaw food on the buses and in the library.
Students question why these rules have a place within the Mariemont High School Student Handbook since they are almost never enforced. Block says, “Food messes are different than office messes.” Food often creates a mess harder to clean up than paper due to its malleable qualities. The handbook rules only allow food in the commons so food messes are contained in a limited area.
Most students understand the reasoning of the rules but do not think they are necessary. “I think that in certain situations it’s acceptable but there are reasons a teacher would not allow it in a classroom. Students realize it’s really up to the discretion of the teacher,” says senior muncher Bobby Gerberick.
Block understands students’ perspective. He says, “I am aware teachers do interpret that rule in different ways and do allow students to snack or use water bottles. But control and moderation is the main thing.”
After-hours janitor Darrell Davidson says, “I don’t see a problem with eating in class as long as no mess is left behind and the students’ grades are not dropping.”
Block also acknowledges rule revisions may be needed for the handbook, in order to stay current with the uses of facilities. He also foresees some upcoming changes for the library and the Collaboration Café which have become hot spots for students who want to study during lunch. Several students have noted irony in the Collaboration Café’s name. It implies food, which is served in a café, yet in the student handbook food is explicitly prohibited in the library. Block addresses this irony: “The library has definitely become treated more as a café atmosphere than what a library is traditionally known as.”
When students heard of potential edits to the student handbook on food rules, many were pleased. Another veteran muncher, senior Austin Riffle, offers advice on eating in class until the rules are edited: “You just got to know each teacher’s rules.”
Official Rules From Mariemont High School Student Handbook
Behavior Guidelines-19. Students may not eat or drink in the classroom or in study hall.
Bus Service Behavior Procedure,- 3e. The specific regulations are to be observed as follows. No one shall be permitted to eat on the bus.
Rules For Use of the Library- 5. Eating or drinking will not be permitted in the library at anytime.
