As we all know students at Elizabethtown High School are very opinionated and have a lot to say. 2020 was a terrible year for all of us and this section is a space where you can state how you feel without any judgement.
How do you feel about doing school from home?
I feel like it eliminates a lot of the stress from in person school, but since it is during the pandemic, there is already a lot of stress to deal with.
I think that it is ok but I would rather go to school in person and to be able to interact with other people other than my household family.
I feel like it's very organized and I like it. The teachers seem to care a lot about the students and their work.
It's boring, easy to get distracted, and there are no social interactions.
Personally, doing school online feels more draining than going to school. Having connections with people is one of the things that motivate me and keep me going, but now that all the social aspects of school have been taken out I feel like all I do is work.
Following the events at the Capitol, how do you feel?
I'm disappointed and scared that something like that would happen. Unlike BLM protests, none of those people had good intentions, and yet very little was done to stop them. They were intentionally endangering people and somehow made me respect Trump supporters even less. The scary part was that there were so many people there that believed what they were doing was somehow right. I believe everyone can have their own opinion, but when those opinions actively hurt people, it crosses a line. I don't understand how anyone could think what they stand for is logical to a point where they would try to defend the events at the Capital. It was a bizarre afternoon, but also allowed us to take further steps that would have probably taken longer without that threat.
I think that it was wrong to do the things that they did. They should have been peaceful the whole time. They should have also not stormed the capital building. I think that all the things that were not peaceful were unnecessary.
Annoyed at the lack of common sense of the American people.
Everyone who has divided this country is to blame. Not just Republicans, not just Democrats, not just conservatives, not just liberals. Everyone who causes others to feel contempt towards people with opposing views is to blame. Civil debates don't exist anymore. You can no longer just have different views without seeing the other as evil. Nobody assumes or expects the best out of people anymore. People want to assume the worst of everyone, and we consider these assumptions the truth. We learn these evil ways from our society, our media, our parents, our family. I am guilty of these things too, and until we can see each other as Americans before we care about their political party, we can expect more riots, more violence, and more death. All of those people who see the heinous acts committed by the Capitol raiders and automatically start making assumptions, disassociating themselves with their friends and family with different points of view, or blaming one side or the other: they need to realize that the type of attitude they are displaying is what is truly ruining our country.
I feel angry that there are people who feel like what happened was right or the answer. I wish we could all, as a society, be more civil.
Who is a teacher that has made an impact on your life?
My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Hinton, was one of the most understanding and kind teachers I've ever had. I learned from her and her classroom was a safe space for me rather than somewhere I associated with anxiety and pressure.
Coach Black and Mr. Stephens always brighten my day.
I have had several teachers who have made an impact on my life, but the most prominent one was Mrs. Billings from Morningside Elementary School.
Mr. Ernst
Mrs. Booker has always been there for me ever since I moved to Etown as a freshman.
For our seniors, how are you feeling about college and becoming adults?
I don't feel ready or prepared at all.
I feel confident. I've learned a lot of essential skills this year and I know my parents are always a phone call away.
It's kind of scary. We've been conditioned to an 8-2 school day, but when we go to college our schedules are scattered and it's up to us to be there. It's a big change, being away from our family and friends it seems like we've known a lifetime, but I think I'll be able to get used to it eventually. As for becoming an adult, I'm definitely not eager to reach that point.
Is there any way teachers could help with online school that you’d like them to know?
I know it's hard for everyone right now, especially them, but it can be really stressful for me when teachers are in a bad mood, which seems somewhat common.
I think that the teachers are doing a great job right now. I think that one thing that is important to students is being able to laugh during the classes a couple of times because it makes classes more interesting and more fun/enjoying. It makes you actually want to go to that class if you know that you are going to have fun every once in a while.
Some teachers continuously pile on work as opposed to taking time to teach.
Try to change things around each day and avoid being repetitive. Online school is repetitive enough already.
Many teachers give out a lot of homework after class time ends, and it is a bit tedious to have to keep up with a lot of dates and assignments. I would like it if they were able to give an overview of the week beforehand so that we can keep track of when to turn in everything or when a certain test is.
What is something you do to pass the time?
Read and draw.
Listen to music and play video games
Play football outside
Listen music, try to dance.
I love baking- one day when I'm older and have a good job I want to own a bakery on the side.
What is your favorite thing about high school?
The different things I've learned in each class so far.
Sports
I like getting to meet new people and learn from social experiences while getting to try new things.
So far, my favorite thing about high school is how involved the school is with the surrounding community.
The atmosphere during games like football and just hanging around everyone. Which is hard to do right now.
How do you feel about the possibility of going back to school?
I don’t think it is a good idea because as soon as we do more cases will appear. Also, being at home has taught me that being at school is kind of pointless because half of my classes just give homework and I don't even have to do it during the school day.
Not a big fan, but It's probably for the best (next year though)
I am looking forward to that day.
Anxious
I think I am just ready to see people.... I really see no point in going back right now because you do the same thing in school as at home, the only difference is the room you’re in. If we went back full time with everyone I would enjoy that much more than how we do school now.
I don’t want to come back until I get the vaccine. I have grandparents and my mom could have major health complications if she gets COVID.
How is the winter storm making you feel?
Bored
Sad because i really want to go to practice but i can’t
It’s kinda fun but it’s hard to focus on school because normally it would be a snow day
Concerned for the people in other areas, so not really happy about it.
I’m worried for the people in Texas. We’re equipped for this kind of weather but they’re not.
I am very bored and feel trapped in a sense.
What have you been doing to pass the time lately?
Painting
Going to work and tik tok
Binging TV shows, movies, and doing homework
Playing guitar, learning piano, listening to music, hanging out with close friends and playing playstation.
I’ve been playing my Nintendo Switch a lot and I visit my cousin’s house on Fridays to do our homework together (I’ve been going there since before COVID got bad here).
I've been sledding
Who is a teacher that has handled Covid very well in your opinion?
Mrs wilson and Mr hayes
Coach Black
Mrs. Pullen
Mrs.Herringshaw
Basically all my teachers. I think Mr. Ernst is handling it the best though.
Mr Yates. He finds ways to keep us involved in class all the time
Managed by Jenna Kinder