The coronavirus pandemic has interrupted everyday life as everyone knows it. After each time that school was cancelled for another two weeks or so, students started to lose hope that they would return to school this year. After six weeks at home, consisting of social distancing and distance learning, students found out that they will not be able to return to school for the remainder of the year.
One of the most frustrating parts of online school for several students is the fact that students are unable to see their friends, classmates and teachers every day. For some students, this physical interaction among their friends, peers and administrators was arguably the best part of the school day. It is very difficult for some students to comprehend the idea that March 12 was the last day of the school year for students to see their friends and teachers in person. For seniors, this is especially challenging because many feel as if they were unable to properly say goodbye to their teachers and enjoy their last few months as high school students. The inability to connect with friends, family and administration is difficult for many students, regardless of their grade. Physically being in school is something that so many students may have taken for granted in the past, however, online school has definitely caused students to become appreciative of the time that they did have in school.
During this tough, unprecedented time, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District has done a great job giving the students a form of normalcy. The district’s videos, updates and virtual morning announcements have supported students. Though students are not in school, they still feel connected through the district's use of technology. Now that teaching must be done at a distance, the district has opened up tablet access, setting up drop-off and pick-up stations for those who do not have tablets. On top of this, Wi-Fi networks have been set up in the George W. Hewlett High School parking lot for those who may not have access to Wi-Fi. All of these steps have ensured that students can continue their learning and feel comfortable doing so.
The district has continuously shown through their efforts that they are trying to make this transition as fluid as possible. Nevertheless, there have been major gaps that students have felt require attention to further improve the situation. With this new at-home learning system, teachers are expected to assign students work through the means of different communication platforms. Whether it be Schoology, Google Classroom or Email, there is a vast variety of means. Through these platforms, important information such as dates of exams and assignments are posted. Keeping track of different assignments from multiple sources, such as Schoology and Google Classroom, is a bit overwhelming at times. It is hard to keep track of 10 teachers posting assignments on different outlets. However, this brings light to a crucial issue pertaining to deadlines. Teachers have the ability to post assignments at any time of day, whether it be 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. This hinders the ability of students to manage their time efficiently, and complete assignments when most convenient for their schedules. Perhaps there can be a tighter window when assignments can be posted for students to check. Being at home does not mean that students are solely focused on schoolwork, as the top priority is the health and safety of those around us. It is a time to connect with their families, an opportunity that does not frequently occur during the traditional academic school year. Some are struggling to understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, therefore it has become difficult to discuss assignments with teachers.
However, it is not just communication with teachers that is lacking. It is difficult for students to get information from administration as well. We all are aware of how this unprecedented time comes with a lot of uncertainties, but it is impossible for students not to question how they will be graded. Students are aware of the possibility towards changing the grading system, but the lack of communication has left them confused and parents wondering. The implementation of a pass/fail system holds the potential to alleviate stress. Overall, the lack of transparency regarding this change has left many uncertain about the fate of our grading system.
The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly cast a dark cloud over the lives of all students who look forward to making experiences in these very memorable years of high school. Juniors are dealing with the stress of college applications and the uncertainty of standardized testing requirements. Sophomores are entering their junior year with little to no knowledge of what type of classes they should be taking as juniors, which is universally considered the hardest grade for all high school students, and freshmen are unable to complete their first year of high school. However, seniors, who had planned to make the most out of their last year in high school, are especially struggling with this reality. Seniors are, unfortunately, stuck at home and unable to bask in the joys and special moments of their final weeks of high school. It is so unfortunate that the seniors are unable to finish their final sports season, and some were not even able to truly start it. There may never come a time for a prom or high school graduation. This is extremely disappointing, as these momentous occasions help define the senior year of high school; it marks the end of an important chapter in our lives. Having the chance to experience the typical end of high school traditions is very significant to many students. Many seniors are remaining optimistic that one day we will be able to experience these meaningful moments, once quarantine is officially over - hopefully soon. For seniors, missing out on the few months of school we had been anticipating for years is more than difficult for most. Having teachers overwhelm us with work is just additional stress in this unprecedented time. The reality is that several students are dealing with personal and emotional issues during this time. Logging in to a Google Meet is easy enough, but assigning graded essays, assignments and projects seems unnecessary at this time.
Seniors were devastated by the announcement of schools being closed for the rest of the academic year, which was made by Governor Andrew Cuomo on May 1, ironically, commitment day. Every senior dreams about the last few months of high school - the time where the sun shines everyday and it feels like nothing can go wrong. We dream about prom, graduation, the senior sunrise and barbecue and getting our yearbooks signed. Everyone’s lives have been impacted by this insane period of time, but to seniors, we are missing out on experiences that we will never have again. These last few months were our final opportunity to connect with the people we grew up with, and all that has been taken away. We looked forward to so much and have gotten so little. There needs to be better communication between school administration and students, as well as adults and students. Right now, every student wants to know whether there will be a prom or a graduation and if not, what will the school district do instead? How will the seniors get the support they need from teachers, faculty and administration during this troubling time? Sentiments are appreciated but those sentiments can not give us all that we have lost.
The Class of 2020 has earned the best possible send off. They have brought awards, trophies, accolades and most importantly, smiles to the Hewlett-Woodmere School District, and all those that work and live here, for over a decade. While it is understandable that there will not be the traditional end of year activities, there needs to be a short-term and long-term plan. The many different options available to replace the traditional senior activities should be explored transparently by a team that includes students, parents, teachers and administrators. Many districts already have such committees. The Class of 2020 deserves no less.