Disturbing School Policy Hits Close to Home for Me

You're not going to believe what you're about to read.  Not once, but at least twice, 3rd-grade students at Mill Plain Elementary School in Vancouver, Washington were told they couldn't use the bathroom because they didn't have enough fake money to use.  Apparently, it's a teacher’s policy that the kids can "earn" Monopoly money by behaving and performing well in class.  Then, they can use that cash to spend on treats, food and trips to the restroom.  However, what do the kids do when they've used up all their money?  Ridiculous as it may sound, they were expected to hold it..

One parent said the policy makes no sense:  My daughter finally told me, ‘We have to pay to use the bathroom.’ Nobody should have to pay to use the bathroom.”

A spokesman for the school defends the policy in the video below.  The school is investigating the issue.

This bothers me personally, for one very specific reason.  Though it's extremely difficult to admit, I once wasn't allowed to use the restroom as an elementary student.  My teacher said, "No."  I remember being shocked, and panicked.  I had to ask again, but by then it was too late.  I still, to this day, haven't forgotten how embarrassing it was and how glad I was when my mom got there with a change of clothes.

Surely, no Eastern Iowa schools have such a policy.  If they do, they should change it immediately.  The impact on a child's psyche can be long-lasting.