Students Must Channel Frustration Constructively, Not Destroy Shared Spaces

By The ClearScope Network | @ClearScopeNet

October 15, 2025

North Middlesex Regional High School is confronting yet another disruption in the 2025–2026 school year: two recent acts of vandalism in the boys’ bathrooms. While student frustration with school policies has been well-documented, these incidents show a misdirection of anger that punishes peers more than it influences leadership decisions.

The Incidents in Detail

On October 14, the PAC boys’ bathroom was targeted in an act that caused significant plumbing issues, forcing custodial staff to shut down both the boys’ and girls’ PAC bathrooms. When toilets were cleared, staff found vapes, food items, milk cartons, and other objects that clearly do not belong in a toilet.

The second incident occurred today in the second-floor boys’ bathroom, where someone squirted fake red blood throughout the space, clogging toilets and creating a large mess. The disruptions affected not only custodial staff but also every student who relies on these facilities during the school day.

Principal Laurie Smith sent an email to the student body and staff addressing the incidents:

“These actions are disruptive, disrespectful to our custodial staff, and impact everyone who uses those facilities. If you have any information regarding either of these incidents, please let me know, as I would like to hold the appropriate person or people accountable for their actions.”

Why Destruction Hurts Everyone

While students have legitimate grievances about changes at NMRHS—including new fees, stricter locker and phone policies, and the replacement of FLEX Block—vandalism is counterproductive. It does not force administration to reconsider policies; instead, it punishes other students and burdens staff who must clean and repair the damage.

As Principal Smith noted:

“It’s unfortunate that the actions of a few affect so many, and I appreciate everyone who continues to show respect for our school and each other.”

Constructive Change vs. Destructive Action

These incidents highlight a critical lesson: fighting policies and advocating for student voice must never come at the expense of shared spaces. Petitions, surveys, student council involvement, and respectful communication remain the most effective tools to push for meaningful change.

Acts of vandalism alienate peers, reduce trust, and can even lead to more restrictions on students. They shift attention away from real concerns about school culture and toward cleanup and discipline—ultimately punishing the broader student body rather than prompting reflection or reform from leadership.

ClearScope Network’s Takeaway

The recent bathroom vandalism serves as a stark reminder that student frustration must be channeled responsibly. Respect for community spaces and the people who maintain them is fundamental to building credibility and achieving change. True influence comes from engagement, not destruction, and students who want to see reform must ensure their actions strengthen, rather than weaken, their voice within the school.

At ClearScope, we will continue to cover both the concerns students have and the ways they can pursue constructive change, while condemning vandalism as a method that harms the very community students are trying to improve.