STAFF/TEACHERS

KEVIN JIA writer

Cupertino High School, also known as Tino, has long been regarded as a clean and well-maintained campus. . However, like any educational institution, it faces various sanitary issues that may impact the health, safety, and comfort of its students, staff, and visitors. In this investigation, we sought the perspectives of Assistant Principal Steven. Puccinelli, and AP Environmental Science teacher Andrew Goldenkranz, who is a member of the district’s initiative for sustainability and resource management.

One of the most common issues that emerged during the interviews was odd odors in certain areas of the campus.

When sewer gasses are noticeable, the source is likely a clogged pipe, Mr. Goldenkranz said.

These clogged pipes are said to be caused by root growth, which is more likely to happen during a wet winter.

Said Mr. Puccinelli, “By the 700s hallway, there’s our main sewer line, and there will sometimes be sewer off-gassing that smells like sulfur, so that’s the smell I’m aware of.”

Overflowing trash cans were another issue that was mentioned. While they acknowledged that the custodial and cafe staff work hard were some initial concerns about gas leaks, heating and air conditioning, and ventilation. However, these issues were quickly addressed by the school administration. to keep the campus clean, some suggested that students could do more to help.

Campus sanitation and cleanliness is maintained at or above acceptable standards, Mr. Puccinelli said.

Said Mr. Goldenkranz, “We rely

“I haven’t identified it as a problem saying the campus is dirty and unsanitary, especially since it hasn’t come up from teachers complaining that it is a problem,” he said. When it comes to promoting healthy and sustainable habits among students, teachers and staff members agreed that proper handwashing, waste disposal, and cleaning protocols are essential. Soap and water are the preferred option for handwashing, while hand sanitizer is considered suitable for medical providers who are constantly moving from room to room. It was also suggested that students could benefit from more guidance on how to properly separate and dispose of waste.

Overall, our investigation revealed that Tino has a relatively clean environment, there are some areas where improvements could be made. The perspectives of teachers and staff highlight the importance of continued vigilance and action to address any sanitary issues that may arise. Additionally, promoting healthy and sustainable habits among students through education and training can help to create a cleaner and safer campus for all

From the tampons hanging on the ceiling in the girl’s bathroom to the infamous smelly hallway, the condition of some facilities at Cupertino High School don’t go unnoticed. Behind all the sanitary issues, facilities managers work hard to handle the inner workings of Tino to keep facilities in the best condition.

Josh Kiernan, Cupertino’s facilities manager, addresses the most common sanitary issues across campus. Said Kiernan through an email interview, “The biggest issue is trash and making sure the disposed items no matter what they are [are] placed in the correct receptacles.” Principal Kami Tomberlain also wrote in an email, “I walked into a bathroom on Tuesday night to find tampons stuck to the ceiling. I see students dropping trash or leaving trash behind when there are waste bins very near.”

According to Kiernan, there are many different factors that contribute to these issues – it’s hard to name just a few. “If everyone would utilize the correct receptacles depending on the items that need to be disposed of no matter if it’s around campus or in the restrooms I feel that the process would be much smoother and this would help with the overall cleanliness of CHS.” said Kiernan. The equipment needed for students to dispose of their trash is provided throughout campus,