School Reopening

By Shalini Biju

This pandemic has proven to be an extremely taxing time for all of our mental and physical health. Recently, superintendent Joe Sawyer announced a full in-person return to school beginning May third. This announcement has been met with very mixed feedback, but before hearing from our students, it is necessary to understand what this change will entail.

What stays the same?

• We will still follow a very similar schedule, sticking with a seven-period day.

• Six-feet distancing will be enforced during mask breaks, or areas where people are not wearing appropriate facial coverings.

• Masks will still be mandated.

• Weekly COVID testing will continue.

What is different?

• Social distancing will still be enforced, but we will be three feet apart, rather than six feet apart.

• Students in cohorts A, B, and C will be attending class in person every day.

• Wednesday will not be a half-day.

How do our students feel?

Last month, our Town Crier Instagram page put out a poll for SHS students to reply to.

Here is what a few students had to say:

“Yes! I think going back to school is important for social interaction!” - Maya Kasbekar, Grade 10 (voted yes).

“My family and I have pretty bad cases of asthma so I don’t want to risk getting infected. It took me so long to adjust to the new normal, just for me to have to adjust again. I’m a senior and don’t care anymore.” - Zoë Ohana Spencer, Grade 12 (voted no)

“It doesn't seem worth it since it would be hard to adjust and would only be for a short period of time. But, what makes me think it is unlikely anyways is that SHS is over capacity, and meeting social distancing requirements would be difficult with so many students in each classroom. we would have to buy new desks in order to still meet the 3ft social distancing requirements at lunch (since we would obviously need more desks back in classrooms), so I don't think it would make sense to buy new desks that will only be used for a short period of time, especially when the school system is already facing a budget crisis.” - Anonymous, Grade 12 (voted no).

“We’re already over capacity by a lot and would have zero space. Social distancing would be very difficult.” -Anonymous, Grade 12 (voted no)

“I said yes because I have heard a lot of people who are doing remote work who do not like the remote learning atmosphere. Also, I am currently doing hybrid (Cohort B), and I found learning at school to be much more beneficial for me than learning on the remote days.” - Shreya Suresh, Grade 11(voted yes).

“It’d be easier to learn the material and get caught up with things.” -Anonymous, Grade 10(voted yes).

“I would love to go back to school full time, it just makes it so much easier to learn and understand whatever we’re being taught. But I also don’t want to go back fully; school is too exhausting. I can barely make it through the two in-person days.” -Leena Elbayoumi, Grade 11 (voted yes).

“I’m paranoid about COVID! I definitely don’t think three feet is enough distance, and hallways are already very overcrowded. Hopefully, with the vaccine, I’ll be less scared, but with two grandparents at home, I’m not sure I want to come to school.” -Anonymous, Grade 9(voted no).

“Hybrid model initially caused immense stress and anxiety initially for me and it took a while to adjust. In addition, my grades are lower than usual, especially in APs when we haven’t had as much opportunity to cover class material.” - Omer, Grade 11 (voted yes)

In conclusion, this period of time will be yet another adjustment for us. However, if you are struggling with adjusting or your mental health, please refer to our community’s mental health resources listed below! The SHS staff understands that this may present a new set of challenges for some individuals, so please do not hesitate to communicate your needs with your teachers. We are all in this together, and Town Crier is here to listen to your concerns! Please DM us or send an email if you have any further questions. For students returning to school, see you in May!

Resources:

Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention Worcester Team: 1-866-549-2142

Emergency Mental Health Services (EMH): 508-334-3562 - UMass Memorial Hospital

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741