The school I teach in is very old. It, like many middle school buildings is a hand-me-down school and was once a high school. Â On another day I'd love to chat about that, because a middle school should be designed for its purpose which is as unique as the people in the building.Â
Anyway, nothing has been updated in this building except the colossal waste of space they call a Smart Board. #theydontwork
Chiefly, the ventilation systems.Â
1) An elderly teacher developed LUNG CYSTS last year and the doctors confirmed that it was from mold in the school. She was denied worker's comp and instead moved to another school in the district. No work has been done to improve the ventilation.
2) I became very sick during my early days at the school after not being truly "stay-home-from-work" sick in several years. The vents blow air constantly. I highly doubt I just had an immune system crash.Â
3) When I spoke with an administrator about needing days off he confided in me that when he first came to the school he developed a hacking cough for a MONTH. Brother! Go to a doctor! Ask some questions!
So, every day I'm in the school I'm aware that the air is literally contaminated, the students are constantly exposed and that even if you get very ill, even if you report it, even if the doctor confirms it, you and your concerns will be swept under the rug.Â