This school year students and teachers have not been able to drink directly out of the water fountain. Instead, they have had to bring their own water bottles or ask the office for a water cup. This has caused more traffic than last year in the office. 

The decision to shut off the water fountains came from the school board to make sure the spread of COVID-19 is at a minimum and the school can remain open.  Tami Jo, who is the secretary of the office, said ¨I feel they had to do everything they had to, to make sure we could open up our school to have face-to-face and to protect kids from spreading something we cannot be sure of.” The students go into the office for cups to fill in the automatic fill stations of the water fountain since the mouth part is turned off. If students do not bring a water fountain to school, then they need water cups. The office supplies these; in case students get thirsty during the day, it is an alternative. Tami Jo also commented students could come into the office and get free water bottles, but those were taken really fast. A generous donation was made and there are more bottles that are now provided in the office that students do not need to pay for. 

Teachers believe students should bring their own water bottles because they have known since the beginning of the school year that they need them. Tracy Brunton, who is the Potosi Ag teacher commented, “students have known since school started they need a water bottle because the fountains were shut off, they do not need to go to the office every time they are thirsty.” Mrs. Hutchcroft, the history teacher, said, “sometimes I give kids water cups or water bottles because they misplaced theirs or forgot them.”

We all have had to adapt to bring water bottles into school, but we have managed to find ways to provide teachers and students with the best possible solutions. The office isn't really crowded with students needing something like a cup or water bottle, but it is good to know students are getting what they need through the school day.