PDA: "Ew, gross."

PDA. Public displays of affection.

It is common in the hallways and stairwells of Jamesville-DeWitt High School. Everyone knows how awkward it is to be walking behind two people holding hands who then start making out.

But how far is too far? Though all agree there is a limit, students and staff have different opinions on where that limit is.

Some students and staff think that PDA should not be in school at all. Freshman Anthony Epifani thinks that PDA is unnecessary. Junior Dave DiStefano believes, "It's not appropriate at all, any time." Sophomore Julia Colares agrees with DiStefano and says it's not something she wants to see in school. Health teacher Melissa Moore sums up many people's view by saying, "Ew, gross."

Other students like sophomore Austin Tousaw say it's okay to show some affection in the hall, as long as it's appropriate. Sophomores Stephanie Mannion and Natalie Antosh both agree that PDA is gross when it's excessive. "There's a minimal amount of stuff that's okay," says English teacher Terri Skeele. Some even define the kind of PDA that is acceptable: "I think it's perfectly acceptable to a certain extent. Anything over a kiss is too much," says Brandon Franklin, junior. Kara Capstraw, junior, adds, "A kiss is fine, but think of the other people in the hallway." Junior Katie Albanese agrees, "A peck on the lips in the hall is okay. But don't shove your tongue down someone's throat, that's disgusting."

Assistant Principal Will Dowdell says that a friendly hug or holding hands is nice but making out is too much. He says that PDA is "not something we want in school." Principal Paul Gasparini also agrees that it's inappropriate in school.

Many students do not think of, or even know, that there are consequences for when PDA is taken too far in school. Students can be written up for insubordination and disorderly conduct if a teacher feels that PDA has gone overboard. A call home can also be necessary to let parents know what you're doing in school. Dowdell admits that he has had to call home before and can sense the embarrassment of the parents. PDA can also be seen as an embarrassment to the school because teachers and even students feel that the school is being used for the wrong reasons.

The bottom line is, don't do anything that you wouldn't do with your parents watching. In the words of senior Max Smith "Keep it out of the halls."