How do you think this year will be different from the rest?

Regardless of age or grade level, there have been many worries circulating about the various aspects of returning to in-person instruction. 

For example, senior Aubrey McAlister fears that freshmen will have an abrupt and unique start of the school year.  

“I think it will definitely be different in that incoming freshmen won’t have the same experience we all got to have,” McAlister explains.

Everyday life and social interactions have completely altered themselves into a thing of the past, and the mere concept of socializing at school brings about many concerns. Teachers have more responsibility this year than most because their main priority is to maintain a safe environment for themselves, their students, and their family at home.

Advisor Christina Meyer thinks that the social aspects will be changed dramatically with the looming threat of coronavirus. The precautions are believed to change the student activity physically and mentally.

“Despite how generic that is, it’s the truth. I just want everyone to do their part in making sure we are taking care of ourselves and others,” Meyer expresses.

While discussing a hybrid opportunity and other suggestions the school decided to have the first quarter virtual “…because the school year started off online this year feels disorganized,” sophomore Nicole Baird said.

What is your biggest worry entering this school year?

Disregarding the rapid adaptation that will have to be made to everyday learning, this school year will be exceptionally different considering the mixed emotions and distress across campus. 

“I don’t think I necessarily have any big worries, I just hope that everything goes to plan,” McAlister adds. 

As learning progresses to an in-person school environment, many new responsibilities arise for both the faculty and staff.

Along with McAlister, safety is the main goal for Meyer, “I think the biggest worry is just making sure everyone is safe.” Meyers states

Now, with masks students and social distancing requirements it is mandatory to limit contact with other peers.

As the school board suggests to keep a safe environment for all students adjustments had to be made. “It will be hard for the teachers to control all of the high school students while protecting themselves,” Baird said. 

What will be the hardest part about going back to school?

Considering the many changes, students, teachers, and parents will have  a lot of adjusting to do, “This whole year will be different and we will just need to adjust,” McAlister expresses. 

An advisor’s job is to make the students feel safe and help them with their education. Meyer believes that being connected with the students while being safe will be difficult, “It will be hard to be happy for my students from afar.”

School will be different in many aspects. The lack of physical connection with others will be a change for everyone attending school. Having mask being mandatory and practicing social distancing guidelines is an adjustment. 

Transitioning to these requirements will react in a lack of connection with peers. “By not being able to talk to [my] friends without touching them and being… close to them.” Baird claims