The Storm

From Screens and Zoom, Back to the Classroom

by Annamarie Lyman

It came as a shock to everyone when we learned that we wouldn’t be going back to school in March of 2020. We had to adjust to learning through Google Meets, and eventually, Zoom. Then came the opportunity to go hybrid, returning to in-person school twice a week, while spending the other three days online. The students of the Central Valley Central School District showed gracious professionalism during this time, empathizing with one another during these tough times. Now, we’re back up and running, and we’ve adjusted just as quickly as we did to virtual learning.

However, returning to school hasn’t been a piece of cake. When asked what had been the toughest thing about resuming in-person lessons, sophomore Seth Boyer shared, “Navigating the school was difficult. You sort of forget the layout of the building, you forget how long it takes to get between classes, whereas you could just click a link to sign into a different class when learning virtually.” Senior Caroline Nicolette explained, “Getting my motivation back was difficult because I lost it during online school. It was hard getting back into a routine. I preferred going to school in my pajamas.” Many have shared Caroline’s sentiment, though being back to in-person learning doesn’t stop students from showing up in their pj pants.

Returning to the building hasn’t been all bad, though. “My favorite part of coming back to school is getting to see my friends every day again,” said junior Amber Newtown. Freshman Ryan Clanton commented, “Just seeing other students and teachers back in the school and being happy has been my favorite part of coming back.”

We’ve learned to adapt and overcome a difficult situation, and hopefully, soon, we’ll be able to walk the halls without a mask. Until then, we’ll keep moving forward and working hard to prepare ourselves for the future.

Have you ever had the winter blues? Here are some things you could do to help so you're not so sad during the winter! As a starting point, you could try doing something to relax yourself. If you don’t know what might help, here’s what helps me. I like to read and maybe put on some music. There’s also always trying something new, which is relaxing to some people. When asked, sophomore Emma Archer said, “Listening to music and reading.”

A second thing that might blow away the blues is taking up a new hobby. Crocheting, running, or helping at a retirement home are some examples. These are just some suggestions, for you need to find your own thing that works. When asked about winter hobbies, Mrs. D. Forte said, “I was going to try cross-country skiing last winter, but I was injured.” Clearly a hobby will keep you focused and active, and make the winter months go by much faster.

Another thing I particularly enjoy doing is making lists. You could try making a list of what you want to do during the winter. It can be anything you want and however active you want. Lists give you focus and a sense of accomplishment when you get to check off what you have done.

If you’re just bored and not really sad, then you could also try to find a job if you don’t already have one. You could also plan or at least attempt to plan something with your friends and family. It could be just a hangout or a sleepover. Anything really. Thinking of things to do is a thing to do as well. Thinking of what to do could lead you to imagining yourself doing it, and then you’d have a daydream to participate in. Speaking of participating in something, try joining a club or sport. We have a wide array of both clubs and sports right here at CVA.

Don’t let the winter get you down, stay active and positive, and before you know it, spring and the warm weather will be here!