It’s been a while since we returned to school. And as it turns out, besides the masks and weekly Covid testing, nothing much has changed since the day we left. Still, it’s an event to be memorialized, and here’s what the return to in-person school looks like (including the thoughts of some students and teachers):
“Honestly I was kind of worried at first, but it feels nice being back in the classroom. [It’s] easier to learn, harder with the homework but that’s expected with school, kind of stressful but overall kind of nice.” - Joleen Cardoza, 8th grader
“It’s exciting to go back to regular school after such a long time, but it’s also nerve wracking because it’s not the same. People aren’t really thinking the same, having to wear masks and think about distancing.” - Renee Modina, sophomore
“I love [being back on campus]. It’s amazing; I can do ten times the teaching I did on zoom. There's no comparison, getting a visual cue from a kid across the room who needs help just can’t happen digitally. I feel in retrospect that we were in quicksand and didn’t even realize it.” - Mr. Hicks, teacher
”I prefer this year, in person. Last year, days went by kind of slow and boring and draining, more than actual school. I think lots of people prefer online school, and I kind of did at first, it's just nice socializing with friends again.” - Joleen Cardoza, 8th grader
”I think [online school and in-person school] both have their own pros and cons. I don't prefer one over the other; both were equally ok. Online I found it easier to focus because there were no distractions. Being back on campus is nice being able to talk to people and be outside, but at the same time it’s a lot more complicated, finding your classes because before we only had two classes a day.” - Renee Modina, sophomore
“I feel very stressed, it’s just that common apps are hard, and having to do work in school and work out of school, it’s very overwhelming. Honestly, online was just a lot more convenient; more time to do school work and stuff outside of school.” - Briana Garcia, senior
