Going back online?
In this informative article, Aylah Graves discusses the updated possibility of going back to temporary Distance Learning for our district.
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Going back online?
Going back online?
By Aylah Graves
By Aylah Graves
There is once again concern and confusion sparking about the possibility of schools going back online. With COVID-19 cases rising again, the emergence of the Omicron variant across the nation, and the shutdown of schools, there are worries about the possibilities. The uncertainty is real.
At Grants Pass High School, we have currently finished the first semester of the 2022 school year, this being our first full semester completely in person since 2020. Being fully online for one and a half semesters and then switching to hybrid was hard for many last year. The pandemic has caused our education to shift in a lot of ways. Losing sports in various ways, falling behind in classes and missing teachers and friends were just a small number of challenges that many experienced. It is completely valid to be nervous and scared about the possibility of returning to something that may sound and feel similar.
Pictured: The front of GPHS, KTVL
On Jan. 12, 2022 a message was sent out informing families and staff of the potential transition to distance learning. It addresses that this is not a transition that is currently being made, nor is it a permanent solution. The message informs that with cases of COVID-19 affecting students and staff, there are many absences district-wide. The message explains, “However if we cannot offer sufficient staffing to continue on-site instruction in a safe environment, we will have to implement temporary distance learning until we can reopen.”
Pictured: Distance Learning, Record Journal
Speaking with several teachers and staff members at GPHS, the consensus is that “administrators want to keep schools open and keep students in the classroom. However, it must be done safely.” If there is not enough staff to teach in person or many students are having to quarantine, it may not be possible to teach in person until the situation changes. An anonymous teacher at GPHS states, “ We truly do understand all of the negatives that came with distance learning for teachers, staff, and especially students. However, there is only so much we can control and we must follow the directed protocols to ensure safety for everyone.”
This is not an ideal situation, but it is important to understand that nobody planned for any of this and everyone is working to figure this out in the best way. We are all in this together and we can all try to make a difference. Wearing masks when directed and staying home when sick are just some ways to help to do your part.
Some resources can help aid with what may be causing some fear about the possible scenarios. It can be beneficial to consult or research these resources to try and get whatever support is needed. Whether online or in-person, many of these resources can still be accessed. At GPHS, there is a school health center on campus that can provide resources regarding mental health, medication prescriptions, vaccinations, and much more. We also have mental health counselors and other counselors to consult with for different needs such as grade support or concern. Additionally, the Maslow Project can help youth under 21 with needs, such as food, transportation, hygiene products, and so much more. There are several other resources included on the GPHS Website as well as some linked below.
https://gphs.grantspass.k12.or.us/our-school/school-health-center
https://gphs.grantspass.k12.or.us/counseling-careers/counseling-student-services
It is okay to feel angry, confused, frustrated, anxious, or whatever you feel about the current state of our world .This is new for us all. It is important to recognize that everyone is trying to keep life as normal as possible in the most abnormal circumstances.
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