Back to School Thoughts

Coming back to school hasn’t been easy. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on everyone, and after over one-and-half years of online school, some are finding it difficult to get back into the swing of things. Now that NRHS students had some time to adjust to in-person school, I sent out a survey to see how students are doing: 

The Hardest Part 

After having the luxury of waking up 10 minutes before class, the students surveyed stated that it was hard to wake up early again. Getting used to new morning schedules and readjusting back into an in-person school setting has been the main concern. For some, even seeing friend groups has been harder than before. 

The Easiest 

Some found seeing friends to be the easiest part. One respondent commented “It was surprisingly easy to return to see old friends and to talk to your teachers.” The sense of community made students feel as if they had never left the building.

What was missed online?

Students expressed that they had missed smaller interactions with classmates and teachers online. Additionally, some reported missing the experience of a classroom environment where teachers were more accessible and it is easier to speak with others. 

What is missed during in-person? 

 Most students felt that the advantage of virtual learning was the ability to enjoy learning in the comfort of their own home. One student said “[During free periods] I could rest or watch TV instead of sitting outside on the cold football field.” During online schooling, sleeping in or in between classes and snacking were some of the many things that were enjoyable. Students were still able to learn  and choose how they spent their free time. Brain Breaks were also mentioned, as they provided a 30-minute break for students to catch up on work, eat lunch, or just get a few more minutes of sleep in.  

Concerns about coming back to school 

Students expressed concerns about the difficulty of in-person testing compared to tests over virtual learning, which were often modified online.  Getting back into old study habits and maintaining a school/social life balance was also noted. Another concern with coming back to school was COVID-19 safety.  

In-person vs. Online? 

When asked if they preferred in-person or online school, 100% of the participants said they preferred in-person schooling rather than online.