New School Rules: Save Energy and Water, No Smoking, No Sales Visits
Listen to the story
Education officials have announced new rules for all schools before the start of the new school year.
The first rule focuses on reducing the consumption of energy and water in schools. Schools will now be expected to lower their use of electricity and water to avoid waste.
A second rule bans smoking for all staff members working inside schools. This ban applies to teachers and other school employees, not just students.
Another major change stops sales representatives from entering school buildings. These are people who visit schools to sell products, and they will no longer be allowed inside.
The rules also include a ban on promotional activities within schools. This means schools cannot allow advertising campaigns that target students during school time.
According to the announcement, these directives come as officials prepare for the new academic year. The changes appear to focus on health, safety, and reducing outside commercial influence inside schools.
It is not yet clear how the rules will be enforced or what penalties may apply if schools do not follow them. However, the timing suggests they are meant to take effect as soon as the school year begins.
Vocabulary10 words
- consumption
- the amount of something used
- energy
- power used for electricity and machines
- ban
- an official rule that stops something
- sales representatives
- people whose job is to sell products
- promotional
- related to advertising or promoting something
- directives
- official instructions from someone in charge
- academic year
- the school year, from start to finish
- staff
- all the people who work somewhere
- enforce
- to make sure a rule is followed
- commercial
- related to buying and selling
Quiz
Answer key
1. To reduce energy and water consumption 2. School staff 3. Enter school buildings to sell products
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Education officials have announced new _____ for all schools before the start of the new school year.
The first rule focuses on reducing the consumption of _____ and water in schools.
A second rule bans _____ for all staff members working inside schools.
Another major change stops sales _____ from entering school buildings.
The rules also include a ban on _____ activities within schools.
According to the announcement, these directives come as officials prepare for the new _____ year.
It is not yet clear how the rules will be _____ or what penalties may apply.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think schools want to reduce energy and water use?
- Do you agree with banning smoking for school staff? Why or why not?
- How might banning sales representatives affect students?
- What other rules do you think schools should have before a new school year?