On March 13, my high school announced that we would be taking a two week break in lieu of COVID-19. We had no idea that a two week break would quickly turn into the rest of the school year. COVID-19 has already robbed so many teenagers of their senior year experience. Almost all high schools have cancelled their graduation, grad nite, and all dances.

In response to current events, many high schools have implemented various forms of online learning. Whether it be virtual learning through zoom or assignments through google classroom, schools are managing to provide the resources for students to continue learning. Due to the fact that some students may not have access to online materials, many districts have begun to offer chromebooks and other tools for students to be able to remotely learn. Despite their best efforts, there is still a decline in productivity and a significant amount of students are still not participating or attending class. An example of lack of student motivation is displayed in Los Angeles. An approximate one third of students do not even bother to log into their online classes and an even larger amount of students do not turn in any of their work.

The decline in student participation may be mainly due to new grading policies that many high schools have recently implemented. Various high schools have begun to offer students the option between pass/fail grades and actual letter grades. Additionally, some high schools even went as far as to freeze students’ grades from dropping below what they were before school closed. Although these changes were meant to help students that may not have access to online resources, they also make it possible for students to earn good grades even though they are not doing any work.

As of right now, there have been no official updates regarding the upcoming school year or fall athletics. Many schools are discussing possible solutions such as staggering school days while continuing distance learning. The plan to stagger school days would have students come into school different days of the week, a couple times a week, in order to minimize the number of students and faculty on campus. Staggering school days not only forces students to come into school and learn, but also requires them to put in effort if they want to maintain their grades. Moreover, staggering school days is a way of slowly transitioning into how life was before COVID-19. Schools should consider the possibility of staggering school days in order to increase student engagement while returning to normal life.

Inso Park/ Valencia HS 10th

<Inso Park/ Valencia HS 10th>