VHS teacher Erin Jones welcomes over 30 cows into her classroom

VHS teacher Erin Jones has expanded her cow collection beyond knickknacks. Students in her AP English Literature or ERWC class have long entertained her love—or rather an obsession—with cows, bringing their cow figurines or pencils to school for AP writes. 

However, this year, Jones has decided upon a new tactic. Rather than continuing to add to her cow shrine in the corner of her room, on April 1, 2025, she is having a “Cow Day” where all students are expected to bring a real-life cow into her classroom. 

Having over 30 cows in her classroom might be a challenge. As one of her current students, Aloe Vera ‘26, said, “I am a little worried about the smell and getting my cow up the stairs.” But Jones says she is well equipped for any issues. She is renovating her door to be wide enough for any cow and plans to transform her classroom into a barn for future notice. She is currently taking donations for hay and water troughs and expects to have her room completely remodeled just in time.

“It will be difficult for any of my students to miss ‘the cow’ when there are thirty of them standing in front of their desks,” said Jones, “I might even consider having students bring them to the AP Test at the end of the year too. Anyone without a cow will be punished with a one on their AP write.”

 “I think that’s a fair punishment. I already have my cow lined up. I am actually really looking forward to bringing it to school; I am hoping it will fit in my minivan,” said Vera.

Emmy McMeeky ‘26 had not found her cow yet. She said, “I am getting a little nervous, all the cows in the area have already been bought, so I am really hoping to find one before the deadline, I don’t want to get a one on my AP write.”

Jones invites everyone to meet her in room 209 to see the cow extravaganza in her AP Language classes. Jones will bring her own personal cow, too, and advises students to dress in cowboy attire in case any of their cows act up during their AP Write.  

She is discussing with the college board the possibility of allowing cows in the library and gym for all AP Language students’ final AP Test. However, nothing has been decided so far.