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Junior Girl Scouts ask Octorara board for after‑school clubs and pads in school bathrooms
Summary
Two junior Girl Scout troops urged the board to support new after‑school clubs at the Intermediate School and to make feminine‑hygiene products available in girls’ restrooms rather than only at the nurse’s office, citing privacy and lost classroom time.
Junior Girl Scouts from two Parksburg troops addressed the board with two requests: new after‑school clubs at the Intermediate School and placement of feminine‑hygiene products in girls’ restrooms.
Representatives (calling themselves Abigail Hatton, Avery Klingensmith, Aaron Miller and others) suggested club ideas such as kickball, dance, crafts, cooking and book clubs, and proposed practical steps (sign‑up sheets in the lobby, rotating teacher hosts or parent volunteers, and grade‑based groupings). The students asked the board to consider the clubs as a way to build community and friendships.
On menstrual products, the scouts asked that pads be placed in girls’ bathrooms because they are currently available only at the nurse’s office. The students said that requiring a trip to the nurse can be embarrassing and can remove students from class time; one commenter added that students may avoid asking a teacher, particularly a male teacher, and that having supplies in restrooms would allow girls to manage their needs discreetly.
Board reaction: Members thanked the students and asked administration about logistics. Administrators said clubs typically start when a principal and interested teachers or PTO volunteers coordinate planning; the board suggested administration would follow up with principals and PTOs about options. On the pads request, the board thanked the students for advocating and did not take an immediate vote but indicated administrators would consider implementation pathways to make products more accessible while addressing prior concerns about misuse.
Quote: One Girl Scout said, "We hope that you take our idea into consideration," while a supporting commenter added, "Having [pads] available in the restroom would allow girls to take care of themselves without going to another location and reduce time away from class."
