by Jose Gomez
In light of the increase of the number of cockroaches at Woodbridge High School, a pest extermination class will begin in the 2016-17 school year, to be held in the school building’s 60 year-old underground tunnels.
According to the School District’s Buildings and Grounds Department, the cockroach population is considerably higher in the tunnels than in the actual building, making it the ideal location for the class. An hour of each class will be held in the tunnels, where the teacher will instruct students on the most efficient ways of exterminating pests and preventing their return.
Retired Orkin exterminator James Portner will instruct the new course. Mr. Portner, a man with 27 years of experience in extermination, said, “I am beyond thrilled to educate these students in the art of pest extermination. The education system is absurd for not including extermination in the curriculums of all high schools.”
Students will be educated in the the nature of cockroaches and other common pests that may or may not be encountered in the tunnels. To ensure that the students are safe and prepared, they will not be permitted to use chemical sprays until 50 days into the class.
Like any academically demanding course, Extermination R-Track has prerequisites: students must take Biology R-Track and Anatomy & Physiology R-Track. Students must also sign forms that hold them liable for protective suits and headlamps borrowed from the school for the semester.
The final exam will consist of a 50 minute multiple choice and written section, and then a five-minute simulation that students must complete in a lab outside of school. Students who score at least a 3 out of 5 on the exam are eligible to petition for credit towards their state license in extermination.
Mr. Lotman, who first came up with the idea of instituting the course, said, “This school is focused on preparing students for any direction they might take after graduation. For me, it was pure negligence to not allow students to learn how to become exterminators.”
Students are encouraged to take advantage of this new opportunity to expand their educational spectrum. Those who are interested in Extermination R-Track must consult their guidance counselors to sign up for next year’s course, which will be held in both the spring and fall.
