Knights Return to School
by Muriel Moon and Carolyn Slack, Reporters
School Events
On April 19th, many Kamiak students returned to classes on campus for the first time since March 12th, 2020. Although schedules, gatherings, and socializing look very different from normal years, students and staff are excited to return, at least partially, to in-person learning.
One of the greatest concerns pertains to the spread of COVID-19. Several effective precautions are in place: everyone wears a mask, students sanitize desks before learning, and students eat at designated nutrition areas that limit the size of gatherings. Additionally, many students and staff have received one or both doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johsnon vaccine. As of May 12th, the vaccine is also available for 12-15-year-olds, in addition to the previous group of 16 and older. Immunizations and proper procedures help maintain the safety of all individuals who have returned to school.
In order to get a teacher’s perspective of hybrid learning, Mr. Binz, who teaches computer science and math at Kamiak, gives his input. He notes that one of the challenges is “having to manage both in-person and virtual students… Having divided attention is tough.” As many students opted to stay fully virtual, teachers must be sure to focus on both those in the classroom and those over Zoom. Additionally, since so many students are not in the classroom, it alters the learning environment. He says that “usually at this point [in the school year], we have established relationships and trust in the classroom, which is not fully there [this year]. The students seem to be very quiet in person.”
Despite challenges and fewer interactions, returning to the classroom, at least partially, has been an uplifting experience. Binz says, “I’m really happy to be back and have some routine. I wish more students were here… but I’m hopeful for the fall.”
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Kamiak High School or The Gauntlet.