In some schools, microwave ovens are banned due to safety concerns, but at Bronx River High School, students and staff have access to three. The microwave in the copy room is reserved for teachers only. The one in room 400 is used by both staff and students, though mostly by students. And a third, which was added this month, is available during lunch near the main office. This allows everyone to bring and heat up their own meals if they prefer them over the school-provided lunch.
Freshman Reina Analisa Cartesramos loves that the school provides a microwave for students. “Yes, I get to heat up home cooked meals,’’ she said
Deborah Kobore, a sophmore, likes that the school allows kids to heat their food when it gets cold. However, she finds the microwave settings confusing.
While many praised the microwaves, others had concerns. Ann-Kiara Bourdeau, a junior, pointed out that some students don’t clean up after using the microwave. She also mentioned that the school needs another microwave to reduce waiting times, which affects her lunch and class attentiveness.
(Lathania WIlliams)
“My food gets to heat up,” senior Eden Thompson said. She’s also noted that the microwave is often crowded and difficult to use because of it’s slow paced but still appreciates the option to heat her food.
Takia Gaynor, an office staff member, believes there should be changes in how the microwave is used for better efficiency. “I wish kids would line up and give anyone a chance to do what they need to,’’ she said.
She worries that kids often hold up the line. However, she thinks having a microwave is great because it lets kids heat their food and bring leftovers from home. She joked that the smell of beef patties is tempting and suggested those bringing them should bring enough for everyone, including herself.
Tené Kelly, the assistant principal,, discussed the rules and regulations for using the microwave. She stated that no metal is allowed and it’s available during lunch and before classes in the morning.
