In an attempt to reduce the effects of covid-19, strategic plans have been implemented to help maintain social distance. This has resulted in the closing of schools nationwide. Though school has closed, learning continues as Har-Ber students transitioned to an alternative method of instruction or AMI days via their Chromebook. 

With a set schedule no longer in place, students are responsible for how they manage their time.

“Usually I wake up around 7:45, eat breakfast shower and “get ready” for the day and start class at 8:30. I work till 3 and will skip lunch,” junior Jack Welsh said.

AMI was uncharted territory for everyone causing initial confusion and stress according to junior Brooklyn Landers.

“The first week of AMI was pretty terrible mainly because none of us really knew what to expect, and we were a little stressed,” Landers said.

The following week a block schedule was released and teachers were encouraged to use Zoom to get face to face interaction with their students. 

“I’m not a big fan of zoom because most times what is said on the zoom could easily be communicated through an email or a google classroom comment. I have used it frequently,” senior Abby Bradford said.

Not being in school raises concerns regarding teacher accessibility.

“They aren’t refreshing their emails every 3 seconds to see if a student has a question,” junior Iseabaila Scott said. “If we were still at school, learning and understanding the work we are assigned would be much easier.”

Aside from school, students have other responsibilities to fulfill.

“Other than just school throughout the day I have to take care of my chickens and my dog, keep the garden watered, and keep the house somewhat clean,” Landers said.

Online school is a big transition from in person instruction. According to Jack Welsh it’s not been an enjoyable change.

“It’s more stressful. I hate it. I don’t have immediate help from a teacher, and I have ADHD so it’s hard for me to stay focused,” Welsh said. “I am overwhelmed with all my work being poured on me all at once. I don’t get immediate help from teachers. I am easily distracted. I miss meals due to a lack of scheduling.”

Some students have come to like the change in pace

“Online is easier because it’s not so demanding and gives us time to sit and process instead of blowing through our assignments,” Landers said.

Whether students get to go back to school as normal remains unknown.

“I don’t think we will be going back to school, especially if they continue to encourage social distancing longer than anticipated,” Bradford said.

Not going to school in a physical space greatly reduces social interaction. 

“I miss seeing my friends, I miss being able to interact with people, I miss doing theatre, I miss just being able to talk to people,” Welsh said

Welsh isn’t alone. 

“I miss a lot of things about school. I miss seeing my friends in the hall, saying hi to my teachers, being in class, even just walking the halls,” Scott said. ”It’s odd missing something that you seemed to dislike ever since 3rd grade.”