​In an effort to minimize dependency on non-reusable water bottles, the PTSO has installed new water bottle-filling stations throughout WHS.

There are two Elkay EZH2O fountains located in the math hallway and across from the main gym. According to PTSO Co-President Ms. Marie Sloan, the goal of the fountains is to “encourage the students and staff at WHS to use their own personal bottles or… refill their plastic bottles rather than tossing them after one use.”

WHS is following a national trend to lessen dependency on plastic bottles. According to elkayezh2o.com, Americans use about 50 billion plastic water bottles each year, with 38 billion going into landfills.

The bottle-filling stations were suggested by both staff and students. The PTSO also reached out to Randolph High School for input, as it was already using the fountains. The PTSO wanted to ensure that any improvements made are long lasting and benefit as many students as possible, according to Sloan.

According to Health Teacher and School Nurse Ms. Carole Stavitski, students need to drink two to three liters of fluid a day, and the fountains will help students meet that goal.

The two stations are an initial trial set up by a collaborative effort between the PTSO and the Westfield School District, according to Sloan. She added that the implementation of more stations will depend on student feedback.

The fountains have received a lot of positive attention from the student body. Said senior Mallory Weisse: “I think that it is great that WHS is becoming more eco-friendly. These water fountains are a huge step in the right direction.”

Principal Mr. Peter Renwick said, “I’m very grateful to the PTSO for helping to bring these new water fountains. This is just another example of how the PTSO has been working with the high school administration to bring meaningful items…to our school community.”

The PTSO is open to student suggestions, according to Sloan. Email [email protected] to offer an idea.