Back to School?

By: Aiden Nelson, Laila Schwin, Alisha Bains, and Ariana Rojak

October 2, 2020

With the recent switch from an all-remote schedule into the hybrid schedule, everyone has been dealing with the sudden change in scheduling and routine. While some may be finally enjoying being back in school, there are some students who are still on remote and others who are concerned or fearful about being back at school for in-person learning.

The principals and staff members came up with a very diligent plan on how to keep staff and students safe from getting sick. 

Students will only go to four classes (maximum) a day, and after every class, the staff is required to wipe down the desks and tables to prevent the spread of any viruses. 

Additionally, students and staff members are required to wear face masks and keep their six-feet distance as best as they can.  The principals also have hand sanitizer stations put up throughout the school building. 

Finally, tape is on the floors going up and down the hallways to direct the students as to which way they are supposed to travel to get to their next class. 

Due to the different stances on this new hybrid schedule, we interviewed a teacher, Mr. Sedlacek (American History), and a student, Alanys Rodriguez (junior), about how being back in school is affecting them. 

Mr. Sedlacek was asked how he felt about coming back to school, this time with students in the classroom. He replied by saying that he is glad that students are back in class and that he has wanted them back in the classroom ever since all of this started (back in mid-March). While he recognizes the risk of having students in the school, he believes it is a risk worth taking for the students to get a quality, educational experience.

He was also asked whether he preferred virtual learning or in-person learning. He was quite confident in his answer, saying that while both are different and have to be balanced, he ultimately prefers in-person learning because of the energy and fun aspects of school, along with the ability to guarantee attentiveness. 

Mr. Sedlacek is hopeful for our near future and wants everything to be back to normal as soon as possible.

Rodriguez was asked how she feels about coming back to school. She replied by saying that she feels pretty good about it but remains skeptical due to the ongoing pandemic. 

She was also asked about her preference, online classes or in-person classes: “I personally prefer in-person because I understand instructions better, and I get more help.” 

While there is currently no end in sight, we hope that everyone is holding onto hope and the normalcy that being back in school brings. 

Remember to wash your hands, wear your masks, and be confident in tomorrow!