By Charlie Piputbundit and Steven Jacqmin
Warde is no stranger to unpleasant creatures; it is, after all, a high school but another pesky issue has been stirring up chatter: the school’s rodent problem. Though sightings are rare, rumors of little visitors scurrying around have made their way through the halls. But what’s really going on? And how can the school community help? We spoke to a few key voices around campus to get the scoop on this small but significant issue and what’s being done to handle it.
A Collaborative Effort
Warde Principal Paul Cavanna explained that the school has been taking the issue seriously, working closely with the Director of Facilities and an exterminating company to ensure everything is under control. “It’s something that we’re on top of,” he says. “We want to make sure that we’re staying ahead of it.” According to Cavanna, the rodents typically show up when the weather cools down and they’re looking for warmth. To prevent this, the school has been patching up any small cracks and setting traps where needed.
Though some might imagine a full-blown infestation, the reality is much less dramatic. The rodents are mainly seeking food, especially as the colder months arrive. Cavanna emphasized that keeping food contained and cleaning up after snacks is key to preventing them from becoming regular visitors. “Simple things like making sure food is sealed properly can go a long way,” he adds.
Voices from the Classroom
Teachers like Mrs. DiPrimio have heard the stories and are aware of the concern, though she hasn’t encountered any rodents herself. “I think a lot of it comes down to little cracks or food being left out,” she says. She believes the school has taken steps to fix any potential entry points, and she’s hopeful that this combined with good habits—like not leaving food around—will help.
Similarly, Mrs. Lyman recalled a time when a teacher’s lounge was the scene of an unpleasant surprise: a rodent stuck to a glue trap. Though it was a difficult experience, it led to a conversation about how easy it is to prevent this issue by keeping food in sealed containers and throwing away scraps. “It’s all about being mindful,” she notes. “When food isn’t stored properly, it invites these little guys in.”
Thoughts on How to Move Forward
Mrs. Racioppo, a science teacher here at Warde, suggest that the root of the problem lies in the school’s food habits. “Where there’s food, there are rodents,” she says. To address the issue, she recommends that students eat their snacks and meals only in designated areas like the cafeteria. While this might be a challenge to enforce, it’s an idea that could help minimize food being left around the building.
Another important point brought up by Racioppo, is the use of glue traps, which she finds to be less humane than alternatives. She proposes using snap traps instead, which would still deal with the issue but in a way that doesn’t cause unnecessary harm to the rodents. Many of the staff agree that it’s important to address the problem thoughtfully, balancing practicality with kindness.
A Community Effort
The rodent issue at Warde may seem small, but it’s a reminder that the little things—like keeping food sealed and throwing away trash properly—can make a big difference. Pequot House Dean Mr. Seganos, has also had his own encounter with the school’s rodent visitors, points out that food waste and the availability of snacks are key contributors. He agrees with the consensus that the more everyone works together, the better the outcome.
At the end of the day, Warde’s rodent problem is one that can be solved with a little community effort. By staying informed, taking action, and being mindful of our habits, we can help ensure that the little creatures don’t find their way into our school. And as we continue to work together, we’ll make sure that Warde stays clean, comfortable, and rodent-free for everyone.