Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I haven't read through the 4 pages of replies but, when DS was touring his new school this year, I saw a locker called the "Shark Tank." It remains unlocked and is full of pads, tampons, and even a couple of packages of extra panties. Apparently, the students take care of each other and coordinate to keep it stocked. I loved the idea and couldn't stop talking about it with friends (Much to DS's chagrin).

That's a great idea, but I would be mortified if I actually had to go to that locker and pull out some supplies. I'd much rather have this kind of supply cabinet located in the clinic.

Sounds like the girls are pretty comfortable with it if they are calling it the Shark Tank.

Anonymous wrote:I haven't read through the 4 pages of replies but, when DS was touring his new school this year, I saw a locker called the "Shark Tank." It remains unlocked and is full of pads, tampons, and even a couple of packages of extra panties. Apparently, the students take care of each other and coordinate to keep it stocked. I loved the idea and couldn't stop talking about it with friends (Much to DS's chagrin).

That's a great idea, but I would be mortified if I actually had to go to that locker and pull out some supplies. I'd much rather have this kind of supply cabinet located in the clinic.

Anonymous wrote:Does FCPS have tampons in the bathrooms if so are they free? I got into a Facebook fight with my neighbor when she posted this video saying they should be free. I told her I don't want my tax dollars to pay for it. Some Women in Africa don't even use tampons so the girls in America won't die from it.

So you don't want your tax dollars to pay for anything that you don't personally use. Gosh, you should try living in an Eastern European or African country where your selfish mindset is the norm. You wouldn't last very long.

Anonymous wrote:Does FCPS have tampons in the bathrooms if so are they free? I got into a Facebook fight with my neighbor when she posted this video saying they should be free. I told her I don't want my tax dollars to pay for it. Some Women in Africa don't even use tampons so the girls in America won't die from it.

You are an absolute disgrace of a human being. Just so you know.

I haven't read through the 4 pages of replies but, when DS was touring his new school this year, I saw a locker called the "Shark Tank." It remains unlocked and is full of pads, tampons, and even a couple of packages of extra panties. Apparently, the students take care of each other and coordinate to keep it stocked. I loved the idea and couldn't stop talking about it with friends (Much to DS's chagrin).

I think tampons aren't given because of toxic shock.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Health rooms will dispense pads. Tampons not allowed for some reason.

I wonder why this is? Does it go back to the olden thought that tampons "take a girl's virginity?"

Seriously, I'm in my 30s and my mom outright refused to let me use tampons as a teen for that very reason. I finally bought my own to use when I was 16 and got my first job. Other kid's spent their money on fast food and clothes, I bought tampons.

My guess is because pads are easier and can be used universally. Tampons take practice and lots of younger girls don't yet use them. One choice that suits all seems fine by me.

That, plus schools probably don't want to be held liable for possible toxic shock or accusations of overstepping from parents who don't approve of tampons.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Health rooms will dispense pads. Tampons not allowed for some reason.

I wonder why this is? Does it go back to the olden thought that tampons "take a girl's virginity?"

Seriously, I'm in my 30s and my mom outright refused to let me use tampons as a teen for that very reason. I finally bought my own to use when I was 16 and got my first job. Other kid's spent their money on fast food and clothes, I bought tampons.

I bought tampons too with my babysitting money. I hate pads. Those few weeks postpartum for me were awful mostly because I had to use pads.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Health rooms will dispense pads. Tampons not allowed for some reason.

I wonder why this is? Does it go back to the olden thought that tampons "take a girl's virginity?"

Seriously, I'm in my 30s and my mom outright refused to let me use tampons as a teen for that very reason. I finally bought my own to use when I was 16 and got my first job. Other kid's spent their money on fast food and clothes, I bought tampons.

My guess is because pads are easier and can be used universally. Tampons take practice and lots of younger girls don't yet use them. One choice that suits all seems fine by me.

Anonymous wrote:Health rooms will dispense pads. Tampons not allowed for some reason.

I wonder why this is? Does it go back to the olden thought that tampons "take a girl's virginity?"

Seriously, I'm in my 30s and my mom outright refused to let me use tampons as a teen for that very reason. I finally bought my own to use when I was 16 and got my first job. Other kid's spent their money on fast food and clothes, I bought tampons.

Health rooms will dispense pads. Tampons not allowed for some reason.

Anonymous wrote:
Amen and thank you to the teacher who posts above.

Apparently many people in this world, sadly including many women, have no idea at all that other people cannot afford the most basic sanitary products. But being poor doesn't mean their periods stop.

My new gynecologist collects donations of pads and tampons for a charity that gets them to homeless shelters, women's shelters and other programs that serve low-income or homeless women and girls. The doctor says that in an affluent area such as ours, people forget that there is a need for these items, and people tend to be squeamish about donating them for some reason. People give food to food banks or even donate items such as shampoo and deodorant but do not think about donating pads and tampons. You can go without washing your hair for a while, but if you are having a period, you cannot do without pads. Well, you can do without them, but think about the results in terms of embarrassment at the least, and serious hygiene or health problems at the worst.

Everyone, if you donate to food banks etc., or if your church or synagogue or any other group donates, ask the recipient organization if you can also donate pads and tampons.

Wow, that's so true. I've given food plenty of times and I've even given brand new in the package or with tags on underwear, but I've never thought to give tampons/pads. Goodwill type stores cannot accept any underwear, not even new in the package or with tags on. Our local homeless shelter welcomes them as does our local hospital.

At my DD's school, feminine hygiene products are considered MEDICAL and therefore can only be dispensed by the nurse. Teachers are not permitted to hand out any to students and other students aren't supposed to hand them out to friends in need. The school literally equates it to a kid or teacher with Tylenol handing it out to another student.

Amen and thank you to the teacher who posts above.

Apparently many people in this world, sadly including many women, have no idea at all that other people cannot afford the most basic sanitary products. But being poor doesn't mean their periods stop.

My new gynecologist collects donations of pads and tampons for a charity that gets them to homeless shelters, women's shelters and other programs that serve low-income or homeless women and girls. The doctor says that in an affluent area such as ours, people forget that there is a need for these items, and people tend to be squeamish about donating them for some reason. People give food to food banks or even donate items such as shampoo and deodorant but do not think about donating pads and tampons. You can go without washing your hair for a while, but if you are having a period, you cannot do without pads. Well, you can do without them, but think about the results in terms of embarrassment at the least, and serious hygiene or health problems at the worst.

Everyone, if you donate to food banks etc., or if your church or synagogue or any other group donates, ask the recipient organization if you can also donate pads and tampons.

LCPS teacher here and the school nurse hands out free pads. I along with most female teachers also keep a stash for students. We also include tampons in our stashes because the nurse is only permitted to hand out pads. I keep them in the same closet in my room that has the snacks to try to make it less embarrassing. I teach mainly 9th graders who are still pretty uncomfortable with period related things.

And shame on anyone for saying they don't want their tax money paying for free pads! How blessed you must be to never have had to struggle to buy personal healthcare essentials. I received a thank you note from a young lady who said she wished she could give me more than a note to express how thankful she was for my stash because her mother made them ration at home and she was able to concentrate better knowing she could grab some from me and not constantly be worried about leaking.

And you know, even the students who take a few extra to get through the day/week aren't greedy about it. It's not like at Halloween when you place a bowl of candy out unattended and the first person swipes it all. It's also not just the low income kids either. Surprise periods happen to us all from time to time.