Keeping Morrow High School Clean Is Everyone’s Responsibility

by Z. Bradshaw 

 

Let’s be honest—Morrow High School isn’t always the cleanest place to learn. From cluttered classrooms to overflowing trash cans and restrooms that are too often out of soap and paper towels, the state of our school is slipping. And while the custodial staff works hard every day to mop floors and sanitize surfaces, it’s becoming increasingly clear: cleanliness at Morrow isn’t just their job. It’s everyone’s responsibility.

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There’s no doubt that our custodians are doing their best under tough circumstances. They clean every day, tackling the mess that hundreds of students and staff leave behind. But with limited resources and such a large campus to manage, it’s no surprise that some areas fall through the cracks. It’s time we stop seeing a clean school as someone else’s duty—and start seeing it as a shared responsibility.

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Why does this matter so much? Because cleanliness isn’t just about appearances—it’s about health, focus, and respect. Dirty restrooms and germ-filled classrooms can lead to illness, and when students get sick, they miss school and fall behind. A messy environment also makes it harder to concentrate. How are students supposed to learn when they’re distracted by foul smells or unsanitary conditions? Clean schools help create the kind of atmosphere where students want to learn and teachers want to teach.

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So how do we fix this?

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Yes, the administration should consider hiring more custodial staff and ensuring supplies like soap and paper towels are consistently stocked. But those changes alone won’t be enough. The real solution lies with us—the students. We are the ones dropping wrappers in the hallway, leaving food containers on tables, and treating restrooms like garbage dumps. It doesn’t take much effort to throw away your trash, report a mess, or clean up after yourself. Small actions by many can lead to big changes.

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Keeping Morrow High clean is a team effort. Teachers can help by reinforcing expectations. Administrators can help by setting the tone and investing in solutions. But students must lead by example. We walk these halls every day. If we want a better learning environment, it starts with us.

A cleaner school means fewer sick days, more focused learning, and a place we can all be proud of. So next time you think it’s someone else’s job to clean up, remember: this is our school. Let’s take care of it—together.