Nestled between the mountains, OHS is not only a hub of academic excellence, but also home to a unique set of challenges that come with its desert surroundings. While the scorching sun and relentless heat are familiar struggles to students and faculty, it’s the less-welcome inhabitants that have been making their presence known in the hallways, classrooms, and outdoor spaces of the OHS campus.
In recent months, OHS has been grappling with a rising pest problem, primarily attributed to the warm weather and increased activity of these unwelcome visitors. Students and staff have reported encounters with various pests, including snakes, bugs, and rodents creating an unsettling atmosphere within the school premises.
“This year we’ve caught about forty snakes,” said Tim Vaughn, groundsman at OHS. “[I get complaints / calls about snakes] about three times a week.”
This summer’s scorching weather has only added to the challenges, causing the increasing rise in pests on the campus grounds and unprecedented obstacles.
“With all the heat we’ve had this year… It’s really brought them out. ,Or, in, I suppose,” said Vaughn. “This is probably the worst year where the mice are involved and second to worst year with the snakes so far.”
Nonetheless, the administration and grounds personnel are actively implementing preventive measures to get rid of any snake presence and protect the students on campus.
“I’ve got a quote to get snake fencing put around the childcare area [by 600],” said Vaughn. “We’ve also fixed the doors. Since we replaced the bristles under the doors with rubber we haven’t had any calls about snakes yet. We finished putting them in just yesterday [September 7th]. The rubbers mostly prevent the snakes from being able to sneak in from under the doors.”
The under-door revamp is one of many measures being taken to prevent snakes from entering buildings. Many other precautionary systems are being implemented around the campus.
“I do want people to know we’re taking serious measures,” said Dr. Lynn Miller, principal. “We’ve spent a lot of money [over $10,000]… to, one, redo all the strips under the doors around the buildings…we’ve, again, got a professional to come out and walk the campus… we’re putting up fences… [and] we’ve cleaned up stuff around the campus where they could hide.”
These comprehensive actions highlight the administration’s commitment to addressing the pest issue head-on and ensuring the safety of the school community.
“I don’t want to raise all these concerns because I really feel the [staff] have done a great job,” said Dr. Miller. “Mr Vuaghn and his crew have been the best. The teachers have helped too… they report them. That’s what I’m the proudest of – the way this issue has been handled.”
As the school year progresses, OHS remains steadfast in its mission to conquer the desert’s challenges, ensuring that the academic journey for its students is marked by achievement and not unwelcome encounters with desert dwellers.
“I know we’ll never get rid of them completely because we’re in the desert, but I’m hoping we can… lessen the amount,” said Dr. Miller. “I just want to make sure everyone is protected.”
