May

recognizing Mental Health Month during the COVID pandemic

by KATIE SPONAUGLE

Managing editor

Every year, the month of May is observed as Mental Health Month and is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about mental illnesses: the realities of living with these conditions, and strategies for attaining mental health and wellness. It also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. It has been just over one year since the COVID pandemic ensued, creating additional stress and overwhelming emotions in adults and children. While public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary in preventing the spread of COVID, they have also led to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness that can increase stress and anxiety.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 4 in 10 adults in the United States have reported anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms during the pandemic. Additionally, the results of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll suggest that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 teen boys have experienced new or worsening anxiety.

Sophomore Gabriela Jesse spoke about how COVID has impacted the mental health of teenagers. “I believe COVID has affected the mental health of teenagers both negatively and positively. Positively because students have been given the chance to spend time with family and work on themselves. Negatively because we are separated from our friends and teachers so it is harder on us. The distance between friends and others has restricted our social life which can cause some to feel lonely.”

Mental health awareness month also seeks to recognize concepts such as radical acceptance, adapting after trauma and stress, and dealing with anger and frustration.

“I think it is important to recognize Mental Health Awareness month because it is important to inform others that are not knowledgeable about it. By spreading the word and knowledge, we may be able to help those struggling with mental health issues,” said Jesse.

Due to the amount of overwhelming stress brought on by the pandemic, it is important to understand how to cope with your mental health. Coping is one of the topics that Mental Health America- the organization that first observed Mental Health Month in 1949- aims to address during Mental Health Month.

Jesse explained how she copes with her mental health, citing her support system of family and friends as a great help, saying, “To cope with my mental health I like to spend time with my siblings and family. I also like to take rest days and do things that I like to do. Staying active in sports at school has also helped a lot. Being able to call my friends and FaceTime them has made an impact.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant living through multiple crises that have taken a toll on mental health. This month is a great time to assess your mental health and wellness while simultaneously educating yourself about various mental health struggles and doing your part to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by discussing it with others.

Visit https://mhanational.org/ for more information about Mental Health Month, including crisis resources for immediate response.

Covid vaccines: the student experience

by REEM AZIZ

Opinions editor

As more information about vaccine accessibility and eligibility requirements is revealed, a greater population of young adults are getting vaccinated in an attempt to protect themselves against COVID.

The COVID vaccine was introduced with various age requirements depending on the distributor- both Moderna and Johnson&Johnson recipients have to be at least 18 years of age whereas Pfizer-BioNTech recipients have to be at least 16. Initially, only high-risk individuals were eligible to receive the vaccine, but recently the requirements have changed.

Virginia entered its second stage of the vaccine roll out schedule on April 18, 2021. This meant that all Virginia residents, 16 and older, were eligible for the vaccine. According to a survey conducted by MyVoice, 84% of teens and young adults are willing or already have been vaccinated, and Justice students are among them.

Justice students were eager to finally have the opportunity to protect themselves against the virus. Whether it be for sports or spending time with friends, those eligible rushed to receive their vaccines.

When asked about her motivation to get vaccinated, senior Jillian Caughey said, “Since I'm in person for school, I work, and I play sports, there are lots of opportunities to get exposed [to the virus]. Although I do wear a mask while I do these activities, I wanted to get the vaccine so that I could enjoy them without having to worry as much about getting sick.”

“I think, like most people, I was just really tired of the isolation that comes along with not being vaccinated and wanted some form of normalcy again. I can hang out with friends who are also vaccinated indoors without a mask on indoors now which is super nice,” said senior Megan Clancy.

As for the vaccine experience, there was a consensus that it was a positive one. Students reported that the medical staff were well equipped and excited for recipients of the vaccine. Students didn’t experience severe, if any, side effects after receiving their doses.

Regarding his vaccination process, junior AJ Farkas said “It felt like nothing and I was never sore. [The vaccination process] is very easy and hurts less than most shots. I truly recommend it!”

Despite several positive reviews, many are still hesitant to schedule an appointment, fearing the contents of the vaccine and/or the long-term side effects of the vaccine. Health officials have confirmed that any side effects from the vaccine are visible by the first two months.

Young adults can be transmitters of coronavirus and can have serious long-term consequences if they are infected with the virus, so it's in their best interest to get the vaccine in order to protect themselves and others. Getting the vaccine takes minimal time out of one’s day and makes a positive impact not only in one’s community, but the world.

“The vaccines wouldn't have been approved if they weren't safe! And the sooner everyone who [is eligible] gets the vaccine, the sooner restrictions can begin lifting,” said Caughey.

A Preview of graduation

by RILEY GRANT

Creative & visual director

To conclude a senior year filled with unprecedented challenges, Justice will be holding an in-person graduation ceremony for the class of 2021 on Saturday, June 5. The ceremony will take place at the Fairfax High School stadium field in Fairfax, Virginia, and begin at 9 a.m.

To allow for more guests to attend the ceremony while abiding by Governor Northam’s health guidelines, it will take place on the stadium field at Fairfax High School due to its large outdoor seating capacity.

“By holding the event at Fairfax High School (instead of at Justice High School), we are able to accommodate double the number of guests per senior!” Said Assistant Principal and Class of 2021 Administrator Colleen Lally. “Fairfax High School also has more than double the parking spots.”

Along with the altered venue this year, there is also a limit to the number of guests allowed to come to the event: each senior may invite up to 6 family members and friends. Each person attending must have a ticket, which will be available for seniors to pick up on May 24 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the front of the school.

“We wanted our seniors to at least have something special since they have gone through a lot this past school year,” said senior, student body Vice President Sandy Aguilar-Valeriano. “So we had to minimize the number of guests that will be allowed to attend. However, close family of the seniors like their parents or siblings will still be able to come and support their graduate.”

There will also be a virtual graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 28 to ensure the ceremony is organized and all goes as planned. This rehearsal will take place during 4th period and will be led by the graduation coordinator, Elizabeth Buffenbarger through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.

The 2020-21 school year has been riddled with cancellations of traditional school events such as homecoming and spring fest, and the class of 2021’s senior year has been all but normal. Although graduation will look slightly different this year, the seniors are excited to have a formal conclusion to their high school career.

“I’ve been looking forward to graduation ever since I knew what it meant,” said senior Tigist Demeke. “I always saw it in the movies and tv shows, and I feel like formally getting recognized for my hard work throughout high school was a big motivator these past four years. Graduation gives seniors their last special moment as they walk up the stage, and it allows them to realize that they’re moving on to adulthood. This event can mean everything to a person.”

fcps plans for five-day, in-person return

by CALLIE PETIT

Staff writer

With a community letter that was sent out celebrating the return of 109,000 staff and students in FCPS, Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand was thrilled to announce on March 16, that FCPS will be returning to five days a week of in-person learning for Fall of 2021.

To prepare for the five-day return, FCPS will continue to work with the Fairfax County Health Department and abide by the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. Brabrand mentions how the school division will continue to monitor updated health guidance and analyze potential COVID-19 testing, invest in additional PPE resources along with safety protocols, and prepare the schools to reduce the social distance mandates from 6 feet to 3 feet.

“We have shown that we can return our students and staff to our buildings in a way that is safe and steady. We are confident that we can deliver on a five-day return for all students in the fall, knowing that, while we can adapt to any situation, in-person learning is really the best option for our students and staff,” said Brabrand.

Also said in the letter, FCPS is aware of the impact COVID has on everyone. FCPS has developed a comprehensive set of strategies to support the students during their return; the focus is social and emotional wellness, attendance, engagement, and academics. FCPS will also be continuing their support on community engagement, ensuring that families feel prepared, supported, and safe as their children return not only in-person but also to those families whose children require access to virtual learning due to health needs.

Many FCPS teachers have been fully vaccinated or are awaiting their second dose while high school students, who are now eligible for the vaccine, have either received their first dose or are awaiting their second. Additionally, there are constant updates of efficiency and availability of COVID vaccines for younger kids. However, a question still remains: Is returning five days a good idea with vaccines coming along and the low cases in FCPS? Or would it be too soon to try and bring everyone in-person, in the case of new COVID variants and vaccine eligibility?

History teacher Ga-Min Lee is currently teaching in-person and will continue to teach in-person next year. She shares that it is tough to determine whether it’s a good idea or if it is too soon.

“I think we’ve seen promising data and results from the vaccination efforts. In any case, it will be essential for both students and staff to stay vigilant and practice mitigation efforts,” said Lee.

Junior Michael Hitchcock is currently attending school four days a week this year and will continue to the five days next year. He thinks FCPS should test the waters, bringing in a few people at a time similar to this year. “That way cases would stay lower and the newer variants wouldn’t have as much as an effect on our schools,” said Michael.

Through BBCU, teachers strive to bring participation to the table to avoid long awkward silences. Staff decorate the school to welcome students and make them feel that they are in a safe and comfortable environment. Students go to school to help bring back the sense of normalcy from pre-COVID. When it comes to the five day return for teachers, how would it feel to have all of their students in person? Do they think returning five days would be better for the learning environment? When it comes to students, do they think it will bring that normality that most strive for? Or will returning students feel stressed with work and COVID concerns?

“I think it’s normal to have mixed feelings about a 100% return to in-plan. I feel excited and hopeful, but still a bit nervous,” said Lee.

“I think it will feel really weird, because I haven’t been five days a week since March 13, 2020. I believe I will 100% learn more and be a better student [with the five day return],” said Hitchcock. Personally, I don’t think there will ever be a normal again because we’ll always have to live with COVID. However, I think there will be a new normal that is relatively similar to what we used to have. I also think going back five days a week in-person will stress me out at first, it’ll be a big jump.”

FCPS aims to prioritize students' education and wellness, while being safe in regards to COVID at all times. We don’t know what next school year will be like, but we can expect that FCPS will do what is best and safest for the community.

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH

by ALEXANDRA BUDDENDECK

Staff writer