A Comfortable Transition Back to School

This has certainly been a school year like no other. Students are learning each from their individual homes, their own space and while that can be challenging on a social level there are certainly many benefits to it. Students can wear more comfortable clothing, they have much more variety for where they would like to do their classes from and even what they would like for lunch. Now, with the number of people getting vaccinated increasing everyday, the question of when we will return to in-person school is becoming more of a when. However, this is going to be a tough transition for many students who have grown accustomed to learning from the comfort of their homes. In order to ease this transition, Masterman has decided to implement new policies that will help students reacclimate back into the school building. Pajamas, for example, will not only be allowed but encouraged for both students and teachers. Pillows, slippers and blankets will also be allowed. Beds in addition will be allowed into the building in order to simulate the conditions that many students have grown used to in virtual learning. These will be particularly useful during the daily nap time that will take place for an hour during the afternoon. Studies show that allowing students to sleep “has undeniable benefits to health, happiness and overall academic performance”.

In addition to sleep, delicious gourmet meals, like the ones that many students make for themselves everyday while at home, are shown to improve how well students are able to focus on their classes. So, the kitchen has been renovated and expanded to give students a chance to cook their own meals, just like they would do at home during lunch. This includes a waffle bar with every topping imaginable, make-your-own pizza stations and a fully stocked pantry. In addition to that, a new concierge service will be implemented that, at the press of a button, can deliver snacks to students as they learn in their respective classrooms. “The service is really wonderful, it's quick, it's efficient, and it really makes your day better,” says one excited student. Hot drink stations can also be found next to water fountains. Here students can make their own tea or coffee. Masterman is also implementing a feature within classrooms that will allow students, through the use of a brown paper bag over their heads, to “turn off their cameras” whenever they need a moment out of the spotlight.

One of the larger changes that will be implemented is that students will be allowed to bring their own desk chairs for classes. Allowing students to use their own swivel desk chairs could be a major improvement to comfort within the classroom, as the schools current seating options while functional (most of the time) are not known for their comfort. The official statement from the administration is; ”We want students to be as comfortable as possible in their return to school from the coziness of their own homes, and we will stop at nothing to achieve that.” These changes, while new should be expected to remain in effect far into the future.