After a year behind a screen, schools are moving towards in-person instruction and returning to a sense of normalcy. Many students are growing tired of their inactive routines and are starting to look forward to returning to schools.
The grounds of MLEC have seen several changes in the past months as a small percentage of students returned to the halls of a foreign environment back in the fall. Since then, there have been some additions to enforce the CDC guidelines and they have been working on providing the safest experience for students. There is constant sanitation along the school day and lunch is carried out in an efficient way while maintaining social distancing.
With the efficiency of the vaccine rollout, many students are also heavily considering returning. Most teachers have received the vaccine and some of the students above 16 are also vaccinated. This exposure opens a door of opportunity for a positive outlook to resume regular classes in the classroom.
Due to the limitations and restrictions, learning has been tough this year for some students and the possibility of returning to school is a step in the right direction.
“I think going back will be a good kind of different, because whenever MSO students return just for testing, it’s obvious that most students have an enjoyable time since there is more social interaction,” said Kylien Clark, a sophomore in the Cambridge Academy.
“The only thing that would be an adjustment is the actual learning process. Generally, I think it would be a good idea to return, it walks along the path of the upcoming ‘new normal,’” she continued.
The transition from online school to being in-person might be challenging, as both methods have their own pace and rhythm. Distance learning takes on a slow pace; students have the opportunity to spread out their time and organize their assignments to their convenience. On the other hand, in-person school is usually quicker and there is a schedule that students have to follow. They also lose time getting to school and on a journey back home in the afternoon.
However, these adjustments are minor and it is only a matter of getting into the right mindset in school. Once people begin to return, there will be more participation amongst the classes and this will benefit the learning and social environment.
Students will have the opportunity to interact with one another and receive somewhat of a high school experience.
“I like the idea of going back to school because I want to be able to have the high school experience and spending time with my friends is way better than being home all day,” said Yaila Garcia, a freshman in the Health Academy.
Although school is primarily intended for educational purposes, it is also a place to meet new people and expand relations. Returning to school will allow students to improve their learning experience while engaging in social lives.
In-person schooling will not be an easy transition, but the students will also benefit from this switch that is long overdue.
