McDowell High School closes some restrooms due to 'continued vandalism'
"Continued vandalism" to McDowell High School restrooms has resulted in the closing of some boys' bathrooms at the school and new rules for using two bathrooms that remain open.
Only one student at a time will be allowed into a restroom on the first floor and another on the second floor, according to a Nov. 19 message from school administrators to students titled "Restroom issues.... AGAIN!" Hall monitors will require each student to sign in before entering.
"I know this seems childish but so is all the damage being done. The damage is costing the district a lot of money and time plus our custodians are the ones that have to clean up the mess," according to the message.
Last week: J.S. Wilson School to reopen Thursday after bomb threat prompted early dismissal
The notification to students said, "you do NOT have permission to share this message." The message was shared on Facebook.
The Erie Times-News contacted the Millcreek Township School District on Tuesday and Wednesday for information on the damages and costs but got no details.
"I am unable to provide any more information at this time beyond what was included in the message" to students, district spokeswoman Katie Maccaglia said Wednesday.
Millcreek Township School Board President Gary Winschel could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
The Erie Times-News has filed a Right to Know request with the district for information on the vandalism.
It's not known if the vandalism was encouraged by challenges that began on the TikTok social media platform in September. Students across the country have since filmed themselves vandalizing school restrooms and stealing or destroying school property and posted the videos under the "devious lick" and similar hashtags.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNmyers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: McDowell High School plagued by 'continued vandalism' of restrooms
