COVID-19

Broadway Raises its Curtains to a Triumphant Although Modified Return

By Juliana DeAngelo

September 14th, 2021 was a huge day in Times Square for businesses, actors, and anyone else apart of the theatre district. After getting shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic for over eighteen months, Broadway is taking a huge step in reopening this fall. With new safety protocols, three world famous shows- “The Lion King”, “Hamilton”, and “Wicked”, are all ready to reopen their curtains. “The Lion King '' director, Julie Taymor, told NPR News “I think we're all extremely excited. We’re back. People are ready, and it's time.” Governor Andrew Cuomo made the decision to fully open broadway at full capacity for this September.

On Tuesday, September 21st, the three hit shows planned staggered openings. “Wicked” started at 7pm at the Gershwin Theatre, “The Lion King '' at 7:30 pm at the Minskoff Theatre, and “Hamilton '' at 8PM at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. All three shows were performed with full capacity audiences. The crowds who packed into the theatres were extremely grateful to be there, as they gave roaring applause, standing ovations, and at times, even some tears from happiness.

Along with the theatres reopening, the famous TKTS booth located in the heart of Times Squares also took a big step in getting its first customers on September 21st since the pandemic hit. This booth is where many visitors went to get same-day and next-day Broadway show discounts, as well as off-Broadway tickets. When the industry shut down, so did the ticket booth. But now that it's back, so are the fans who are looking for discounted tickets. It is predicted that 39 Broadway shows will gradually start running by the end of this year, and with that, the booth will start returning to normal as well. “This is our time to shine,” says the booth’s treasurer, Barbara Palmieri. As of right now, only three of the twelve booth windows are open, and they are hopeful that this number will increase as more shows start running. Palmieri said that the opening day was not only about sales, but also about the booth’s significance in the revival of the theatre business.

Getting the shows back on is not only a big deal for the actors and crew, but also for the nearby businesses in Time Square who have been short customers for eighteen months now. Broadway is a huge business for the economy of New York City, and for many of these nearby, small businesses that relied on the Broadway shows to attract customers, they have really been hurting since the shows were shut down. It's estimated that over 97,000 people were employed by the Broadway shows pre-pandemic.

As big of a step as this is in returning to normalcy, there are still guidelines that must be followed in the theatres. Anyone attending the shows must now provide proof of having a covid-19 vaccine in order to be allowed entry. Masks must be worn at all times, except in the designated eating and drinking areas. Unlike previous years, there will no longer be any intermissions, or autograph signings by the stage doors. Many show times are also being cut down to 90 minutes. Bonnie Comley, an award winning producer and President of the Board of the Drama League said to CNN News “The perfect example of that is with ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’. That was a two part show, five hours worth of theatre. When it returns on November 16th, it will be combined into a single, shorter show.’” Harry Potter is just one of many shows that have decided to condense it's show time to adjust to the new protocols. Many producers are now having to change choreography and certain scenes on top of this to adjust to the time cut.

Not only is Broadway opening back up its curtains, but many other performing arts venues in the city and all over the country are beginning to reopen indoor facilities and in-person performances as well. Mayor Bill de Blaiso said at a news conference “Broadway, and all of the arts of the city, express the life, the energy, the diversity, the spirit of New York City. It’s in our hearts and souls. So, this is a big night for New York City’s comeback.”

Although the road has certainly not been easy for anyone involved in the theatre district for the past year and a half, everyone is remaining hopeful that everything will gradually return to normal throughout this next year. Despite the covid regulations that are still in place, everyone is thankful that the shows are starting back up again and the curtains are finally reopening.

North Haven Welcomes Back In-School Learning

School community consensus: Even masked faces are better than screens!

By Ellie Kerzner

The 2021-22 school year at NHHS transitioned smoothly from the modified remote options of the past to fully in-school learning. It was largely thanks to the focused and unified efforts/dedication of administrators/teachers/staff working hard in support of an environment of safe and seamless in-school learning. There were concerns among some students, teachers, and parents that school could potentially shut down if variants or other COVID complications posed a threat due to everyone being back full time. However, the district imbedded strict protocols based on state and CDC guidelines, to make certain everyone within the six town schools stayed socially distant and safe. Masks are worn at all times except during outdoor or large space mask breaks or lunch. One student commented, “ It has been great being back in a classroom setting and able to have a relationship with my teachers/classmates this year.”That sentiment has been prevalent among most students with one sophomore stating, "The classroom setting helped me get back to a regular state of mind."

Another positive aspect of normalcy came in the form of students participating in various athletic programs. Athletes, especially seniors, were worried about missed or shortened seasons due to an outbreak like last year. However, fall sports ran their course without major issue providing great ways for students to socialize outdoors, maintain positive mental health, get fresh air without masks, increase physical activity, and enjoy the fun, spirited interactions and camaraderie that team sports provide. When programs did well and reached championship levels, chaperones were needed so classmates could travel on buses to cheer on classmates. Volunteers were recruited by Athletic Director Steve Blumenthal and teachers and staff stepped up to make it happen!

Embracing this "new normal" in order to re-establish traditions, events and behaviors so important to children's school experience, has had its occasional challenges but most agree it was well worth it. It took much planning, teamwork, school/community support, and certainly much involved decision-making to best navigate unchartered territory. However, the majority of NH families are pleased and grateful for what could be reinstated/modified to maximize student learning and enjoyment and that will continue as long as members of the school community remain vigilant. Students are reminded in daily announcements that mask-wearing and safe distancing is mandatory in order to be "Respectful, responsible and engaged memberts of a diverse society." It is the best way to preserve the safety and sanctity of our school environment.

A few students say they struggled to adjust to in-person learning styles after nearly a year and a half of on-line learning when they claim to have learned at a slower pace and covered less material. Some even admit to accessing loopholes to complete their work, or laying in bed and underachieving. Students who embraced remote learning in that fashion now admit they face challenges they could have avoided but have brought upon themselves. Teachers now try to address any voids content learning and/or disruption of study skills among those students who did fall behind for various reasons. More often than not, for those who worked hard, stayed focused and made the best of it, the transition to in-school is a change they very much welcome and for which they feel fairly prepared. Lesson learned here kids: you eventually have to face the consequences of your actions and, as they say, reap what you sow.

So, while some students feel overwhelmed with this year's workload since they were accustomed to less last year, most have adapted and feel supported by teachers and classmates as needed. Taking tests and quizzes in person has required some adjustment as has homework assigned for each class. For the majority of students, getting back to a schedule of school, sports, and homework has been exciting but sometimes intense. However, most agree that anything beats staying home in isolation unable to socialize with coworkers, friends, and teachers.

Thus, much of what was lacking during the pandemic over the last couple of years was put back in place to help promote mental health, postive learning experiences and joyful interactions among the student population. The NHHS community is more than happy to be back in school and ready for a great year ahead. Onward bound!

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Continue to be Challenging but Necessary

Medical experts still view vaccines and boosters as best way to fight off COVID and its variants

By Grace Finch

Since April 1st, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines have been available to everyone who resides in Connecticut aged 16 or above. Now, after an accelerated vaccine rollout directed by Governor Ned Lamont, 70% of CT residents have been fully vaccinated. The remaining percentage of people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 have a much greater risk of becoming infected versus those who have been inoculated. In an effort to protect workers, reduce the risk of community spread, and boost COVID-19 vaccination statistics, Connecticut’s state government has announced a vaccine requirement for all government, childcare, and healthcare employees. However, this executive order is not strictly a vaccine mandate and those who have not been vaccinated for the state’s September 27th deadline may opt for weekly testing in place of a shot, unless they work in a healthcare setting. Individuals who work in healthcare settings may only opt for weekly testing if they have an approved religious or health accommodation.

This executive order was announced in August and was met with mixed reactions. Many felt fortunate that the state could require such a mandate to protect their employees, whereas others have felt discriminated against for their views on the vaccine. Now, many of those who are strongly opposed to the vaccine and mandated testing will have to choose between their jobs and vaccination. As of October 22nd, 81% of state executive branch employees are vaccinated, and 95% are in compliance with the state's vaccination or weekly testing requirements. The remaining 5% of employees who have not complied are largely from the Department of Corrections, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Children and Families and the Department of Developmental Services and are facing termination or unpaid leave.

The Governor's executive order has effectively increased Connecticut’s vaccination rate, but it has also worsened Connecticut’s short supply of employees in some departments. The Department of Transportation was already experiencing staffing shortages as the supply of bus drivers in Connecticut dwindled and now this department has one of highest percentages of non- compliant workers. As a result, many bus routes have been combined and children in Connecticut have had to adjust to a longer commute to and from school.

Connecticut is not alone in introducing some form of vaccine or testing requirement for their employees as twenty five other states have also introduced similar bills. On a national scale, President Biden has announced that most federal workers will be required to receive a vaccine, and private companies with over 100 employees are responsible for ensuring that their workers are vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. Similarly, President Biden has introduced a directive that all military personnel must be vaccinated against COVID-19 for a December 15th deadline. COVID-19 is still the biggest issue America is facing today and if variants continue to devastate the population, it may still be the biggest issue for the upcoming years.