School vandalism is Amador Valley’s most recent challenge, with concrete flushed down toilets, toilets splattered with red food dye, and trash scattered between the stalls.

“It’s super disappointing. As a faculty member here for 29 years, I can’t ever remember [a time when no] blatant, really awful vandalism [was] taking place,” said Computer Science teacher Richard Hanson.

Many students skip going to the bathroom all together just to avoid the horrendous mess of food in the sinks, Hawaiian punch liquid water enhancers covering the walls and toilets, and the overall state of the bathroom.

“I don’t go in there because they’re disgusting,” said Matt Abatangle (‘23).

Since this is the digital era, there’s no doubt that social media has played a major role in fueling harmful behavior. Instagram pages like @avhs_bathroom have been documenting and spreading posts capturing the shocking state of the bathrooms. 

“I thought it was so gross and it was disrespectful since the custodians have to clean that all up,” said ASB president Chloé Peissner (‘22).

Recent trends on popular app TikTok have also encouraged this “toddler behavior,” an example being the bloody toilet trend. It involves students splattering red water enhancers all over the walls, toilets, and urinals.

“Students who actually follow those trends think they are funny, but they’re really just making everything harder for school staff and other students at the school. It’s not funny, it’s just annoying,” said Sarah Zhang (‘23).

How does admin identify vandals?

When it comes time to figure out who and when the vandalism took place, admin goes straight to the security camera footage from cameras outside of the bathroom. Contrary to popular belief, these cameras are in fact real and are fully functioning 24/7. 

“The school district has spent a lot of money to install cameras in lots of locations around campus,” said Hanson.

If vandalism has taken place, teachers are sent emails including security camera footage of suspects in hopes of identification. 

“When we receive notifications from the admin, I share the information with my students and I make them aware that this is not taken lightly,” said Hanson.

The clean up procedure is grueling on janitors who already have a full schedule of disinfecting campus.

“It’s been very difficult. We have to stop what we are doing and stop disinfecting and go inside the restroom and clean it and it takes up a lot of time for other tasks that we could be doing,” said Amador’s night lead custodian Bobin Lel. 

Custodians here play an important role in keeping Amador safe and protected from COVID-19. After years of gaining the nickname “Amadump Valley,” it’s time to be considerate towards our custodians and fellow students to keep Amador clean and sparkling.