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Schools differ from country to country, and there are some pretty interesting school systems in the world. In The Netherlands, for example, kids start school on their 4th birthday, no matter when the school year starts. Kids in China, in turn, learn on the principle of memorization.

And then there's the US. What most of us know about American schools probably comes from movies and TV. But what are schools in the US really like? Well, here we have a list of pics from many primary sources, the students themselves. They capture the true experience of the American school.

#1

Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School’s "Library" Now

Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School’s "Library" Now

Florida passed a law that said no books can be displayed in a school, until they've been reviewed and approved by an appointed team. If a teacher shows a book that has not been approved, they could be charged with a felony.

missmyrajv Report

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    #2

    My School Blocked A Website Because It Was Labeled As Educational

    My School Blocked A Website Because It Was Labeled As Educational

    reddit.com Report

    #3

    During The Summer, My School Installed Metal Gates Over The Bathrooms To Keep Us From Going Between Classes

    During The Summer, My School Installed Metal Gates Over The Bathrooms To Keep Us From Going Between Classes

    Lord-Zippy Report

    Currently, American schools lag a bit behind other countries in the world in terms of their students' academic achievements. When they tested 15-year-olds in their math and science literacy, American teenagers ranked only 38th out of 71 countries. Among other 37 OECD countries in 2022, Americans ranked 38th in math and 12th in science.

    Younger students, however, are doing surprisingly more well. In 2015, American fourth-grade students placed 11th out of 48 in math and 8th in science. Eighth-graders scored 8th both in math and science among 37 other countries. 

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    #5

    My School Doesn't Have Stall Doors

    My School Doesn't Have Stall Doors

    There are also huge mirrors directly facing them.

    Gazers22 Report

    #6

    My School Wants Us To Allow This On Our Personal Devices, Just To Use Google Classroom

    My School Wants Us To Allow This On Our Personal Devices, Just To Use Google Classroom

    reddit.com Report

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's not right. If schools were that paranoid about it, they should have issued each student separate devices. Another thing that concerned me with online classrooms is students who were already vulnerable and bullied at school had their personal space exposed to their bullies and that eliminated their safe, private space.

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    Interestingly, Americans don't think that the quality of education in the U.S. is above average. In fact, 32% of adults believe that when it comes to K-12 STEM education, America ranks below average compared to other wealthy nations. But are statistics of academic achievement all that matter when we talk about schools?

    The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, also surveys children about how they feel at school. Data shows that younger students report feeling happy "all or most of the time" more than older students. 49% of fourth-graders say they're happy at school, while only 27% of eighth-graders say the same.

    #7

    This Is The Inside Of My Child's Homework Folder Provided By The School. At What Point Has Consumerism Gone Too Far?

    This Is The Inside Of My Child's Homework Folder Provided By The School. At What Point Has Consumerism Gone Too Far?

    xtinaxtina18 Report

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    #8

    Creepy Surveillance Into The Boys' Bathroom At My High School

    Creepy Surveillance Into The Boys' Bathroom At My High School

    There is a window in the boys' bathroom that has a perfect line of sight with the security office that doubles as a panopticon of the entire commons area. If this was the girls' bathroom, heads would roll and there would have been a riot outside years ago. I hate it here.

    Alligatorgamer9 Report

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "So, why do you want the job as school security guard?" " I like to watch boys pee. " "Perfect! You are hired!"

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    #9

    They Start The Indoctrination Early At My Florida High School

    They Start The Indoctrination Early At My Florida High School

    DelCidKidv Report

    American parents say they're mostly satisfied with their children's education but don't think K-12 education in America overall is of good quality. They also think that teachers are doing a good job. 36% of parents think their children's teachers are "excellent" and 37% believe their kids' teacher is "good."

    #10

    The School Lunch System Is Disgraceful

    The School Lunch System Is Disgraceful

    From my years in high school I compiled some pictures of the horrible things that got served that no one questioned. It really is ironic given how adamant they all are about eating healthy by including every food group.

    oaz_zam246 Report

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    #11

    My Friend Got In Trouble For "PDA"

    My Friend Got In Trouble For "PDA"

    After-Employer5610 Report

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    Eric Brown
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh heavens, not holding pinkies. Next thing you know, they might hold hands or even *gasp* hug! What has this world come to.

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    #12

    What A Sad Country We Live In For My 12-Year-Old To Text Me This

    What A Sad Country We Live In For My 12-Year-Old To Text Me This

    loserwaste Report

    Those who are not from America might look at this list and think how strange and different American schools are. But the truth is that each country has something different about its education system and schools that might surprise people. Finland, for example, which is often thought to have one of the best education systems in the world might seem strange too.

    #13

    Our School Spent 1.3 Million On New Turf For A Loosing Team, But I Get To Deal With This Every Time It Rains Because They Can’t Afford To Fix The Roof

    Our School Spent 1.3 Million On New Turf For A Loosing Team, But I Get To Deal With This Every Time It Rains Because They Can’t Afford To Fix The Roof

    OShtTheC0PS Report

    #14

    The Absolutely Terrible Design Of My School. This Is The Place Where Every Hallway Intersects

    The Absolutely Terrible Design Of My School. This Is The Place Where Every Hallway Intersects

    LuigiSaysKachow Report

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect for a school shooter. Seriously, all these metal detectors, bag searches, and shooter drills to keep the kids safe but then pen them all here in one location.

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    #15

    Our High School Covers Expiration Dates With A Sharpie

    Our High School Covers Expiration Dates With A Sharpie

    TheBigWedgeOfCheese Report

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    Katherine Bridgerton
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now the kids can eat expired chips AND weird cheese powder that no other country allows.

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    The country began its education reform about 40 years ago and prioritized hiring educators in decision-making positions both at the local and national levels. Teachers in Finland must have a Masters degree in Education, and the system prioritizes the underprivileged. "Children from wealthy families with lots of education can be taught by stupid teachers," veteran teacher Kari Louhivuori said.

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    #16

    I Guess My Daughter's School Administrator Is Trying To Reprimand Me?

    I Guess My Daughter's School Administrator Is Trying To Reprimand Me?

    I was late a lot through high school, but I'd never been sent home with anything like this. My mother would get a call from the school every now and then, that's about it. For reference, my daughter's in 1st grade.

    Substantial_Tart9571 Report

    #17

    My School Blocked Google

    My School Blocked Google

    NormalBluJay Report

    #18

    My School's Bag Check Line

    My School's Bag Check Line

    JL-Nobody568 Report

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    Katherine Bridgerton
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now they are selling bullet proof shields that go in kids backpacks. Seriously ... USA now stands for united states of assault !

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    Singaporean schools are often at the top of international ranking tables as well. What American students might find strange in a Singaporean classroom is that teachers are usually the ones who talk the most during lessons and discussions by the students aren't that widely encouraged. Pupils use digital devices in the learning process, as teachers incorporate technology into classrooms.

    #19

    My Children's School Folders Are Starting To Look Like Internet Pop-Ups

    My Children's School Folders Are Starting To Look Like Internet Pop-Ups

    This is in my wife's hometown, which is small, so she doesn't share my anger. She said it was to raise money for the fall festival. Told my buddy from back home about it and he was just as angry as I was, even calling it child labor.

    Kami_Ouija Report

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    Zoey Bear
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uhhh, I thought the creator of the art owns it unless they're a slave...

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    #20

    Bathroom Pass In An American School. I Mean, I Get It, Kids Take Advantage, But This Is Too Much

    Bathroom Pass In An American School. I Mean, I Get It, Kids Take Advantage, But This Is Too Much

    LikeSnowOnTheBeach Report

    #21

    This Is What They Gave Us For Lunch Today. I’m A 6'5" 160 Lbs Track Athlete, With Practice And Weight Training After School. This Did Little To Nothing To My Hunger Level

    This Is What They Gave Us For Lunch Today. I’m A 6'5" 160 Lbs Track Athlete, With Practice And Weight Training After School. This Did Little To Nothing To My Hunger Level

    Toastedtoastyyy Report

    The South Korean education system is often lauded as well. Students in Korea spend more time at school than American students. An average American student spends 180 days a year at school, while a Korean student – about 220. Together with Finland, students in South Korea also get the least amount of homework per week.

    #22

    Honestly, I’d Rather Just Ask For Cash

    Honestly, I’d Rather Just Ask For Cash

    So we have to buy a $60 box of chocolate bars (which I noticed are now only 0.8 oz when they used to be 1.5 oz), sell the whole box, and only $22 of that goes towards an end of year trip? Just no. I’d rather donate cash and save myself and my kid the headache. Or even do a lemonade stand, or sell bracelets. Seems like the least efficient way to do a fundraiser.

    aLittleKrunchy Report

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fact that our schools are holding fundraisers for basic needs says a lot about our country as a whole.

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    #23

    School Board Policy For Lunch In North Carolina

    School Board Policy For Lunch In North Carolina

    neko2314 Report

    If you've ever been to Spain, you know that the siesta is sacred to people there. The same is true at some Spanish schools: students get a two-hour lunch break to go home and eat and possibly take a nap. The usual school hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, others from 8 am to 3 pm.

    #25

    My School Is Fining Students That Take Too Long In The Bathroom

    My School Is Fining Students That Take Too Long In The Bathroom

    miketerk21 Report

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    TotallyNOTAFox
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honest question: Are the cameras IN the bathroom or at the entrance?

    Chris Sprucefield
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doesn't matter. Data protection laws makes it clear where you can and can not place cameras, and places like toilets and their entrances/exits is one place where you have expectancy of privacy and the right not to be recorded. (there are exceptions such as where the adjoining space is a public space like a town square having a public toilet facility, but this is not the case here)

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    Lost Penny
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, fines are for hanging out in the bathrooms, not for 'taking too long.'

    frank behnsen
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Shake it more than three times and you’re playing with it.” (SCNR)

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    Peter Bear
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Smile for the cameras? Smile for the lawsuits, school board.

    Donkey boi
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'I don't s**t often. But when I do, I make the journey worth it.' - My cousin, that has a condition that results in a lot of constipation.

    Pencil McGovern
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the cameras are *in* the bathrooms, then, yes, absolutely illegal. If the cameras are at the entrance and only capture who's going in and out, then no, that's legal.

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    YakFactory
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cameras in the bathrooms is a bit "uncomfortable", as in weird. What happened to privacy?

    Shadow The Idiot
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with not letting people stand around and talk for too long because that always pissed me off, but filming kids in the bathroom issssss not great

    Chris Sprucefield
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WTF?!?! CAMERAS IN THE BATHROOM?? Data protection laws? child pron production is illegal regardless of how it is made or who produces it - this would be instant criminal charges against whoever thought this up, and data protection applies to children as well... moreover, fine who? You can't fine someone for having to go to the loo, espoecially not children. I'd have an absolute field day with this one...

    Frank Hayes
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We called these restrooms because teachers. taught us that there is a difference..

    Rowan Kohler
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My a*s. They’re not getting a penny from any parent with any sense.

    OneHappyPuppy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The smile for the cameras IN A BATHROOM is a good start for a lawsuit, the second thing murica is notoriously famous for

    Jules
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the headline here is that THERE ARE BLOODY CAMERAS IN THE BATHROOM!!!

    frank behnsen
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Highly recommended read: US philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s essay «On Disobedience». Recommended view: «The Wild One», starring a young Marlon Brando. From the movie’s script: “But … what do you rebel against?” — “What do you have to offer?” Both works are “eternal” classics of U.S. American culture, very very valuable. And then there are wonderful persons like Rosa Parks and Angela Davis. What I hope to get across here is, that “America” as you call it (does that also apply to my buddy and neighbour from Peru?) has so much to offer to be proud of. Just don’t hang around at the loo. There are so many nicer places to go.—But then again: what’s worse than being hated by a German? Being loved by a German. Trust me, it’s such a horrible experience.

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Better get your lactose intolerance in check and skip taco Tuesdays and mystery meat Wednesdays.

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    #26

    School Has A "Minimum Donation" For A Fundraiser

    School Has A "Minimum Donation" For A Fundraiser

    My friend's kid's school is having a fundraiser. I was like, yeah sure I'll donate 5 bucks. Nope. Well now they're getting no money because 15 is a little too much for me.

    ThatGothGamerChick Report

    #27

    Sign On The Nurse's Door At My School

    Sign On The Nurse's Door At My School

    Butchah Report

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    Zoey Bear
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So is a headache with a nosebleed considered an emergency or nah, just have to wait for the aneurysm to take hold???

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    Here's another fun fact for you: students in Australia and New Zealand sometimes go to school barefoot. Kiwis and Australians going to the local supermarket barefoot isn't so unusual generally, so why should schools be different? Inglewood Primary School in Perth, Australia, has officially adopted a no-shoe policy. "We believe that children need opportunities to explore indoor and outdoor environments without shoes," they stated in a newsletter.

    #28

    My Blind Child Came Home From School Today With This Homework

    My Blind Child Came Home From School Today With This Homework

    zixxty Report

    #29

    About Half Of This 50-Gallon Trash Can Is Full Of Perfectly Good Cartons Of Milk, Expiration Date Is In 2 Weeks. Schools Waste A Lot Of Food

    About Half Of This 50-Gallon Trash Can Is Full Of Perfectly Good Cartons Of Milk, Expiration Date Is In 2 Weeks. Schools Waste A Lot Of Food

    spider_manectric Report

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    Nicky
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our school district used to give food away to the homeless until someone claimed to have gotten a tummy ache and sued.

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    #30

    There Was A Typo In The First Sentence Of My School's Guide To Careful Writing

    There Was A Typo In The First Sentence Of My School's Guide To Careful Writing

    RumHam12 Report

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    ConfusedCub
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gads I had to read that twice even though it was pointed right out! Must be past bedtime.

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    I believe we have many Pandas from different countries here. So, don't hesitate to share what distinguishes the schools in your homeland from the rest of the world. Is it the curriculum? Is it the classroom environment? And, if you've ever been on both sides, how did an American school compare to the ones in your country? Let us know in the comments! 

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    #31

    Toilet Paper Provided At My School

    Toilet Paper Provided At My School

    MentalBuddy Report

    #32

    This Map Is In My School's Elementary Library. Because All Of Eastern Asia And The Pacific Islands Are Apparently China

    This Map Is In My School's Elementary Library. Because All Of Eastern Asia And The Pacific Islands Are Apparently China

    joecosmos Report

    #33

    I Don't Think That's Even Legal

    I Don't Think That's Even Legal

    Bob_Kat8k Report

    #34

    When Your School Bans Wikipedia, Only To Copy Directly From Wikipedia In Their Own Lesson Resources

    When Your School Bans Wikipedia, Only To Copy Directly From Wikipedia In Their Own Lesson Resources

    Kisuzume Report

    #35

    High School Bathrooms Are Really Wild

    High School Bathrooms Are Really Wild

    willyone225 Report

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    Say No to Downvoting
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have literally had nightmares about being forced to use a public toilet with that exact layout.

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    #36

    Bathroom "Stalls" At James Rumsey High School

    Bathroom "Stalls" At James Rumsey High School

    LeastSuspiciousTowel Report

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    Gwyn
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand how this is seen as ok. Don't kids deserve privacy?

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    #37

    Just Got Handed This In The Middle Of Class. I’m In High School

    Just Got Handed This In The Middle Of Class. I’m In High School

    thehighguy9 Report

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    #38

    The Shower Rooms In My School Dorms Have Mushrooms Growing In Them

    The Shower Rooms In My School Dorms Have Mushrooms Growing In Them

    thorodinson1021 Report

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    Lost Penny
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The budget's been really tight lately, there is not enough food for everyone. We improvised, okay?"

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    #39

    Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass, We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration

    Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass, We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration

    Cheese_is_good1 Report

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    brownowlgonewhouse
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least they get passes; where I teach in the UK we are told to absolutely never let students go to the toilet during class unless they have a medical condition 🤷‍♀️

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    #41

    When The School Gives A Big Box To Hide The Size Of The Pizza

    When The School Gives A Big Box To Hide The Size Of The Pizza

    zukofire48 Report

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    John Mosley
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe they could give a full size slice if they saved money by deleting the packaging.

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    #42

    When You Get One Formula Wrong In Our Weekly Tests At My School, They Make You Write It Out 150 Times. I Have 4 More Of These To Do

    When You Get One Formula Wrong In Our Weekly Tests At My School, They Make You Write It Out 150 Times. I Have 4 More Of These To Do

    h4y14y6 Report

    #43

    My Little Brother’s Middle School Schedule. He’s Having Such A Hard Time Remembering When Periods Start And End. Why Are The Times This Specific?

    My Little Brother’s Middle School Schedule. He’s Having Such A Hard Time Remembering When Periods Start And End. Why Are The Times This Specific?

    mad_cherry Report

    #44

    This Sign On A High School Classroom Door

    This Sign On A High School Classroom Door

    cmonfiend Report

    #45

    "Gift" From The School My Girlfriend Works At For Teacher’s Appreciation Week

    "Gift" From The School My Girlfriend Works At For Teacher’s Appreciation Week

    BillyJoelArmstrong Report

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    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An accurate representation of how much teachers are "appreciated".

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    #46

    I'm A Night Custodian At A High School. This Is What The First Day Of School Looks Like

    I'm A Night Custodian At A High School. This Is What The First Day Of School Looks Like

    unwanted-tomatoes Report

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    #47

    My School Could Afford $6,000,000 Worth Of Renovations, But They Can’t Afford Toilet Paper That I Can’t See Through

    My School Could Afford $6,000,000 Worth Of Renovations, But They Can’t Afford Toilet Paper That I Can’t See Through

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    #49

    You Can’t Convince Me That "Syrup" Isn’t Just Motor Oil

    You Can’t Convince Me That "Syrup" Isn’t Just Motor Oil

    destiny_thememe Report

    #50

    High School Throwing Away Perfectly Good Books

    High School Throwing Away Perfectly Good Books

    Starmanof1 Report

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    brownowlgonewhouse
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are probably out-of-date textbooks that no longer correspond to the curriculum. They can be donated, but I've had donation centers refuse old textbooks as they say no one buys them.

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    Note: this post originally had 107 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.