In the current state of the world, dealing with a sudden quarantine at the hands of the large coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Doug Ducey made the final decision to shut down all Arizona schools and continue online. In these odd times, students and teachers alike are caught in a whirlwind of unknowns and confusion, as online schooling was originally just a temporary outcome of a pushed spring break. With a new way of life and routine, along with the intention to have to stay inside and away from others, hardships are expected.

The district is currently working to get everything under control with the large flow of constantly new information. Junior Ella Barnum noted that, “I think the district is doing the best they can in light of the situation and has created a good way for us to get assignments, however I wish they would allow us to use Zoom.” Teachers are currently not given permission to use the chat communication feature Zoom. Barnum continued to state that she wished the district would “provide more clarity about issues like grades and finals. I would also love if they could tell us what the plan is for prom, graduation, etc. and if we will even get those events.” 

The lack of information is the main stressor for staff members and students, though slowly more decisions, like AP tests, are coming to light. With Google Classroom taking over, the simplicity of it does provide some sense of ease to students, but it is harder to have an open line of communication. A variety of teachers have created a Remind, a messaging platform, or reply to private comments that the students can leave within the Google classroom website. 

Though being stuck inside your house and having to maintain social distancing is exhausting, students have found new ways to keep themselves entertained with the sudden difference in schedule. “I started playing bass guitar two years ago at this time and to be frank, I have not been practicing much since I initially got it,” junior Janet Thampy stated. “Boredom has made me finally work on my skills and such.”

Being able to brush up on old skills and maybe develop new hobbies is a nice breather from the constant pressure of homework and tests. Though those stressors have not necessarily gone away, they have calmed down a significant amount.

“For me, the positives are that having less of a packed schedule has allowed me to relax a bit as someone who previously didn’t get much sleep and spent much of their time volunteering, doing club events, working, or doing homework,” Barnum said. “I have definitely seen myself less stressed and tense in the last few weeks, which is something I think many high school students right now need in light of how competitive high school can be these days.” 

Juniors entered the most challenging year of their high school career, but tests like the SAT and ACT were pushed back to later dates in May and June, which can offer these students a chance to gain more time to study for these tests and to take a breather from the large amount of pressure. Seniors, on the other hand, face the bump of losing genuine moments to make memories, like senior prom night and the last quarter of their high school career.

Senior Sierra Katz mentioned, “I have a half-day, so as a senior the transition to online was not as bad as it would’ve been if I was a junior. Most of my classes are easy and stress free; that’s not what I’m worried about.” She continued, “Though I do have senioritis and I really just want to be out of highschool, I’m pretty sad that our memories were cut short. I’m going to miss the daily flow of being with seniors of all types, my teachers, and activities like spirit days and dances.”

This quarter at home has caused different reactions ranging from good to frustrated, but future developments could better the odd conditions students face now.