It is not unusual for small children to fear visiting unfamiliar bathrooms, and the less squeamish may not have the foresight to check for toilet tissue beforehand. If teachers cannot make time to give their new students, especially the little ones, a tour of all the school’s facilities at their disposal (no pun intended), some other adult should be assigned the task right at the start of the school year.
Unfortunately, even the most decent bathroom facilities require constant upkeep – not only in a school environment but everywhere else. Whereas children tend to be more remiss in their personal hygiene, there is unfortunately no shortage of clueless or indifferent supposedly mature adults (as witnessed by many of us who are way too often repulsed upon visiting a public restroom).
It is the duty of parents to see to it that their children are well-groomed as well as considerate of others. The responsibilities of a vigilant teacher should include practicing tolerance when assessing a student’s request to be excused from class, and the fundamentals of personal hygiene ought to be on the itinerary of every preschool teacher.
Another important aspect to reflect upon: Our children’s school curriculum includes davening as well as Torah subjects – both improper to conduct in a “need to go” circumstance.
Thank you for speaking your mind. Hopefully those in a position to make a difference are reading.
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