Teens Adapt to a New Normal

Throughout history, there has been a multitude of pandemics, ranging from smallpox to influenza to currently, coronavirus. Coronavirus has altered the way in which the world operates, forcing entire countries into quarantine. Since the ending weeks of March, the Hewlett-Woodmere School District was mandated to close until at least the end of April. This came to a shock for all students, especially the George W. Hewlett High School Senior Class of 2020. However, these circumstances could not deter Hewlett-Woodmere teachers from providing instruction to their students.

Despite physical closure, our district refused to allow education to come to a halt. Given the advanced technological world we reside in, there were a host of online options in which to transfer instruction to. The most prominent platform is known as Zoom. In the first week of closure, there was a learning curve for students and teachers alike. Students were coping with the loss of their valued school year and teachers were faced with quickly shifting curriculums.

Zoom was implemented within the second week of quarantine. During the first week, educators utilized methods of instruction that they were already comfortable with, including Google Classroom and Schoology, to give assignments and more importantly, support students through this difficult time. Educators sent virtual video messages to their students, wishing them and their family good health.

Zoom is a video-chatting platform that has the capacity to hold hundreds of viewers. It is equipped with audio, video, the ability to show certain signals like raising a hand or saying “yes/no” and the ability to chat with the class or teacher. Starting on April 20, teachers strayed away from Zoom and are now using Google Meet to meet with their students. Google Classroom and Schoology are continuously being used in addition to Google Meet. Grading was ceased through the end of the third quarter, as it was an adjustment period for all involved.

Another measure of adaptation came with the news of massive changes to the AP exams. The new format of the exams completely abandon their traditional design. Rather than 2 to 3 hour-long physical exams, they will now be administered online in a 45 question, short answer format. The material that will be tested on AP exams were shortened, allowing educators to begin review earlier than predicted. The dates of the AP exams were shifted back to the second through third week of May, giving students more time to prepare as well.

Aside from teaching adaptations, the school district has begun using online resources as a way to communicate with students. Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ralph Marino opened a Flipgrid account for all students in which to post inspirational messages. An Instagram account specifically for the Class of 2020 is hosting a virtual spirit week and posting special messages from educators. Additionally, educators have allotted time during Zoom calls to simply chat with students, present beloved pets and spread positivity in these troubling times.

Outside of the classroom, students are finding various ways to stay both connected and busy. Quarantine has a reputation for surges of boredom, but Hewlett-Woodmere students are doing everything possible to be productive and active. Students have made great use of Facetime and social media to keep in contact with their friends and family. Students have also dove into hobbies such as art, music and dance. The community is keeping their spirits high and will not let quarantine squelch their passions for education.