For the duration of the school year, Monday mornings at T.N. Tatem Middle School have been marred by unsightly garbage – illegally dumped on the property.

According to Deputy Principal Chris Swan, since at least last September, members of the public have been using the school as a dumping ground for everything from televisions to old luggage.

"When we come in on a Monday morning, the whole area around the dumpsters can be filthy," he said. "It has been a problem since I have been with the school."

Because the entrance to the school is not gated, it is easy for a member of the public to drive on to the property and dump whatever they want, said Mr. Swan.

"Traditionally people in the surrounding community have been able to use the school field for recreational purposes after the school has closed," he said. "We really don't want to shut people out but we need people to understand that it is illegal to dump here."

After a meeting with the school's health and safety committee and the Police, Mr. Swan said the school is taking the step of erecting a sign informing people that it is illegal to dump there. He said through the use of security camera on the property, he is able to make out the license plates of the people that dump, although he is reluctant to report any names to the Police at this time.

"We don't want to get anybody in trouble with the Police – we just want them to take their trash to the proper venues," he said. "Please consider our school and how the children feel. Dumping garbage here creates a culture and climate for the children that says 'no one cares about us or school'. Please stop."