Student project: Independence High School has a trash problem, say students and teachers

Yahoo! News - Mar 22nd, 2025

Independence High School is facing a significant litter problem, with students and teachers expressing concern over trash being consistently found in hallways, on top of lockers, and in corners of the school. Items such as water bottles, wrappers, and food are frequently seen scattered throughout the premises. While some teachers blame students for the mess, suggesting they should show more respect for the nearly 50-year-old school, students like Izaiah Cooper-Neff acknowledge the issue and call for collective responsibility. The school employs five custodians who work various shifts, but some students feel the cleaning efforts are insufficient. Mackenzie Parks, a matriculation coach, suggests that increasing the number of trash cans might help alleviate the situation.

The ongoing litter issue at Independence High School has broader implications on the school environment and student well-being. According to Cassie Harper, a counselor at the school, the untidy environment can negatively affect students' emotions, leading to feelings of disappointment, fear, anger, and anxiety. This sentiment is echoed by students like Daniel Parks, who notes that the cluttered surroundings can be distracting and make students feel unprepared. The school board recognizes the importance of cleanliness for the health and well-being of students, indicating that routine maintenance inspections are conducted. This story, produced through a student journalism program, highlights the need for improved waste management solutions and greater student involvement in maintaining a clean school environment.

Columbus City Schools Independence High School Littering Student Involvement School Maintenance Emotional Impact On Students

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and balanced overview of the littering issue at Independence High School, supported by firsthand accounts from students and staff. While it effectively captures the perspectives of those directly affected, the story would benefit from additional data and external sources to enhance its accuracy and source quality. The narrative is engaging and accessible, but its impact is limited by its narrow focus and lack of broader context or recent developments. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness within the school community but lacks the depth and breadth to drive significant public or policy engagement.

Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of the littering issue at Independence High School, supported by multiple perspectives from students and staff. Specific claims, such as the presence of litter and the number of custodians, are plausible and align with typical school operations. However, the article lacks direct quantitative data or external verification to fully substantiate the extent of the litter problem or the effectiveness of janitorial services. Statements from school officials, like Chief Operating Officer Maurice Woods, provide some authority but could be enhanced by additional data or external reports on school cleanliness.

Balance

The story presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both students and staff, reflecting a range of opinions on the littering issue. Teachers and students express differing views on responsibility and the adequacy of janitorial services, providing a well-rounded depiction of the situation. However, the article could benefit from including more voices, such as those of the custodians themselves or school administrators, to further balance the narrative and provide additional context.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the issue of littering at the school. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the story easy to understand. The inclusion of direct quotes from students and staff adds to the clarity by providing vivid, relatable insights into the problem. Overall, the article effectively communicates the main points without unnecessary complexity.

Source quality

The article relies primarily on firsthand accounts from students and teachers, which are credible but limited in scope. The inclusion of statements from a school official adds some authority, but the lack of external sources or data weakens the overall source quality. The article would be strengthened by incorporating independent reports or studies on school cleanliness or expert opinions on effective waste management in schools.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of the issue, clearly attributing quotes to specific individuals, which helps readers understand the basis for the claims made. However, the methodology for gathering these perspectives is not explained, and there is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or biases. Greater transparency regarding the selection of interviewees and the context of their statements would enhance the article's credibility.