In the winter of 2026, paper towels slowly vanished from Del Val. In a similar manner, students noticed forks, spoons and knives becoming harder to find this spring. The reason? Budget cuts and student coordination.

After paper towels were taken away due to behavioral issues, the administration noticed a financial benefit. With paper towels being taken out of the budget, the school started looking for other expenses to cut. This led to the removal of all utensils from the cafeteria. To make the removal fair, all utensils have become outlawed from the building for both students and staff, including bringing them from home.

This new policy is a great addition to Del Val and will help students in a variety of ways. It allows students to build their tactile skills, which was a previously neglected field. It also leads to students building their problem solving skills, which benefits them in all areas.

A leading proponent of the ban is Principal Michael Kays.

“Well, we believe strongly at Del Val that students should be able to use all of the resources that are directly around them,” Kays said. “They were all born with utensils at their disposal in the name of their hands. Why use a fork, knife or spoon when you can easily just do the same thing with your hands?”

Although there is a significant number of benefits, some students are against this silverware banishment. Junior Regina Totten is strongly against the decision.

“I don’t like the new policy change,” Totten said. “What am I supposed to do if I bring something messy like mashed potatoes or soup?”

Even though some students aren’t enjoying the new change, they can only benefit from it. All people can improve themselves by adjusting to a utensil-less life, and Del Val should continue to enforce this new policy.