Some students at Tobique Valley High School in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick have been dealing with a bat infestation in their school. More than two dozen bats have been found within the school’s walls, causing alarm among students and parents. Grade 7 student Teagan O’Neil-Gamblin reported seeing a bat last Friday, and another student was chased by a bat that same day. The use of sonar machines was meant to scare the bats out of hibernation, but it only seemed to agitate them further, resulting in the closure of the building over the weekend. By Monday, students were informed about the presence of bats in the school, and doors were to be kept shut to prevent them from entering classrooms.
The situation escalated on Tuesday when a teacher informed students that the issue with bats had been resolved, but concern lingered as more bats were being discovered. Another incident with a student being chased by a bat led to a temporary lockdown on Thursday, as safety concerns continued to grow among students and parents. Crystal O’Neil, a parent of a student at the school, expressed worries about the possibility of someone being bitten by a bat, as they are carriers of various diseases, including rabies. There were also concerns about the presence of bat feces, or guano, in the school’s attic, impacting air quality and ventilation.
The Anglophone School District West confirmed that around 28 bats had been removed from the school, with efforts being made to inspect and address the presence of guano and prevent future infestations. The district assured that the attic space did not affect the school’s ventilation system. Despite these measures, parents like O’Neil are advocating for the school to be shut down temporarily so that the bat issue can be properly addressed. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of students, as well as creating a conducive environment for learning. The New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation also expressed its commitment to monitoring the situation and ensuring that the employer takes appropriate actions to protect the well-being of all individuals involved.
The continuous presence of bats in the school has contributed to an environment of fear and disruption for students, hindering their ability to focus on their studies. O’Neil pointed out that with the ongoing bat infestation, students are unable to concentrate on academic subjects such as math and English. She stressed the need for the school to be temporarily shut down, thoroughly cleaned, and the bat problem effectively resolved so that students can return to a safe and conducive learning environment. The concerns about potential health risks and the impact on students’ education have prompted calls for decisive action to address the bat infestation at Tobique Valley High School. Parents, students, and educational authorities are working together to find a solution that prioritizes the well-being and academic success of all individuals involved.
In conclusion, the bat infestation at Tobique Valley High School in New Brunswick has raised serious concerns among students and parents regarding safety, health risks, and the ability to focus on learning. The discovery of over two dozen bats within the school’s walls has prompted calls for immediate action to address the issue and ensure a safe environment for students. While efforts have been made to remove the bats and inspect for guano, parents like O’Neil continue to advocate for the school to be temporarily closed for thorough cleaning and resolution of the bat problem. The New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation also remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and ensuring that necessary steps are taken to protect the health and safety of everyone involved. Ultimately, the well-being and academic success of students are paramount, requiring a coordinated response to address the bat infestation and create a conducive learning environment at Tobique Valley High School.
