Top Tips for Adjusting to Online School

May 12, 2020

By Brooke H. and the Scribbler Staff

Two months ago, the Scribbler staff left the school, having just published our regular weekly edition of news articles, stories, artwork, and creative writing. A few moments after we left on March 13, 2020, the governor declared schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration and teachers quickly went to work to develop a plan to continue our learning through online methods, and the 2019-2020 school year made history. For the first time, students at WAIS finished our school year online.

The pandemic has changed the lives of the American people, not just WAIS students. "I feel that it is a bad time and it will be in all the history books," sixth grader Jeffrey S. explains. Most students agreed, explaining that social distancing, the closing of parks and churches, and their inability to see friends is causing them stress. A few students see a positive in the situation, though.

"I feel like the pandemic was a blessing in disguise. Yes, that sounds wacky, but this COVID-19 event has brought people together and they're working together to stop the virus," says fifth grader Desmond O.

Of course, learning online is very different from learning in school, and many students are feeling the stress of adjusting to new routines. Not only are students missing their friends, many are missing their teachers, too! Although every student polled knew they could still contact their teachers by e-mail, most students felt that in-person explanations helped them to understand the material better.

Keira S. explained, "I dislike that some of us have no idea what we're doing. If we need help, we can always email our teachers, but it's not the same. Verbal communication in person with your teachers is easier. They can see what kind of stress level you're feeling just by looking at you or hearing you. When I email my teacher over the computer, they have no idea what I'm feeling at that moment. It's kind of stressful."

There are definitely some positives to online learning, though. From doing your homework in your pajamas to munching on mint oreos while you work, students found many things to like about virtual school. Many students enjoyed being able to work at their own pace, whether that meant they got extra time to complete assignments, or they were able to finish earlier than they would in a normal school day. Akim G. was grateful for the opportunity to finish his sixth grade year, saying, "I like that it still gives us ways to have classes without perhaps having to redo a grade."

If you have had trouble adjusting to online school, here are a few great tips from eighth grader Brooke H. who says, "I don’t know about you, but cyber school has been really hard for me. Not only are there a lot more distractions at home, but it can also be difficult to keep up with all the work. However, I believe we can manage."

Here are Brooke's online school tips:

Make a Schedule

Just like at school, a schedule is an easy way to keep track of how much time you are spending in each class. First, you can set an alarm to wake up in the morning, and leave about an hour for morning activities like breakfast and showering. Then, write down all the classes you have and give each class about 45 minutes. Don’t forget to leave room for lunch! Once you have your schedule written down, follow it! Only focus on that once class for that time.

Silence Distractions

The first thing you want to do is find a quiet place in the house to do your work. For me, I like to work in my room because it is in the basement and away from everyone. If your quiet space is the living room, then go for it! Once you are in your space, set up a few comfortable seating arrangements. I have my desk, my bed and a carpet on my floor. Once you have a few comfy places to sit, you want to turn off any distractions. If you have a TV in your room, you can unplug it so you're not tempted to turn it on. You can also power off your phone and tablet, unless you are working on them of course.

Take a Break

It has been scientifically proven that students do better in school with small breaks in between. Online, if you spend 30 minutes in each class, take a 5 minute break in between each one. If you are spending 45 minutes in each class, take a 10 minute break in between each one. And if you are spending an hour in each class, then take a 20 minute break in between each one. During your break, you can stretch, walk around, or eat a healthy snack. Just don’t use your phone, because then you will be tempted to break your schedule.

Blue Light

We are all aware of the harmful effects of the blue light on our screens. Since we are forced to stare at our screens for 8 hours a day, it is best to reduce the amount of blue light. Most phones and laptops have a setting called “Reduce Blue Light” or “Reader Mode” If you cannot find this, go to settings and type “blue light” into the search bar. Then make sure your device is filtering the amount of blue light on the screen. Not only will this help you do better with your schoolwork, but it will also put less strain on your eyes and help you sleep better at night.

Sleeping Habits

The last tip I have for you is to make sure you have good sleeping habits. Don’t stay up until 3 in the morning and start your school day on 2 hours of sleep. It is best to get at least 9 hours of sleep each night to ensure that you are doing your best. If listening to music helps you fall asleep sooner, then listen to music.

Stay safe and healthy!

WAIS WINS OUTSTANDING OUTREACH PLAN IN MANUFACTURING CONTEST

March 13, 2020

By The Scribbler Staff

The members of the WAIS "What's So Cool About Manufacturing" club were selected by a panel of judges on February 25th to receive the "Outstanding Outreach Plan" award for their video featuring local manufacturer Crayola.

Each year, the contest challenges Lehigh Valley schools to make short videos documenting their experience visiting a local manufacturer. The contest promotes careers in manufacturing.

The awards ceremony was held at ArtsQuest, and the results of the WAIS students' hard work was broadcast on WFMZ. Not only did students win the "Outstanding Outreach" award, they were also a runner up for the "Viewer's Choice Award," which is very impressive since over two hundred and twenty five thousand votes were cast.

One member of the team, seventh grader Talis K. enjoyed the ceremony, saying, "It was really fun being there and seeing all the groups." He added that he would definitely join What's So Cool again next year because he has much more to learn about manufacturing and video making in general. He was proud of the award they won, but said, "I wasn't expecting it." He was also proud of the second place finish in the voting.

Brian J., a seventh grader not on the team, said that he voted for our school over one hundred times. Many students voted repeatedly to show Wilson pride.

Congratulations to club advisor Mrs. Austin, and the members of her team: Aiden R., Abigail S., Jennifer S., Talivaldis K., Marissa S., Angelina B., Chase E., and Claire X.!

GREENPOWER TEAM USES STEM SKILLS

March 13, 2020

By Brooke H. and Aamna J.

Greenpower is a group of 11 individuals (Brooke H., Meenakshi M., Lena W., Maya D., Elijah M., Ian F., Nate M., Jade J., Angela C., Mohammad T., and Aidan H.) who are working to build a battery powered car to race.

Most Friday afternoons, the engineers are down in the LINCS center working on building the car. In the pictures posted above, you can see they have made great progress so far. They are working to improve the wheel alignment while also working to incorporate the electrical components into the car. Our amazing engineers have worked very hard with very little time to build the wonderful car they have now.

Meanwhile, the marketers are working on their recruitment video for next year, which will also be displayed on the day of the race, which is April 4. They are also working out the details for their team t-shirts, which will display the companies that have sponsored them. Each member of the marketing team was assigned a sponsor, and they get to write weekly updates to that sponsor to inform them about their progress and upcoming events.

When asked why he joined Greenpower, Nate M. said “I like building things and I believe it’s a great experience.”

Elijah M. said, “I just wanted to work on the car.”

Both the engineers and marketers were asked what they have been working on. “I worked on the seatbelts. I am Mr. Safety Man, I have worked on all the safety equipment.” Nate said. Recently, they have just finished all the wiring and putting in the car batteries.

“We have been working on filming for our recruitment video that will be shown the day of the race,” adds marketer Jade J. “Be sure to come to our race on April 4th!”

Usually, the engineers work with Mr. Fenton in the LINC center, which is where the car is. The marketers work with Mrs. Gagner in her room, two to three times a week, same as the engineers.

The Greenpower team encourages you to come to their race, which will be held at Nazareth Area Middle School at 10 AM and cheer them on! Remember: Go Wilson Warriors!