COVID-19 may cause some public schools to go back online
The rise of COVID-19 should not cause LSHS to go back online
School at home: Senior Jasmine Boggs works on homework for online classes through EVCC. The rise of COVID had many students and staff members worried about schools going back online. ”Students’ mental health would not be good if classes went back online,” Jasmine Boggs said.
The number of students at Lake Stevens High School who have been absent due to either being exposed to COVID-19 or having COVID-19, has increased significantly in the past couple of weeks.
There have been rumors of classes going back online, and although the chances of this happening are very low, parents worry about how this would affect students’ education and mental health. Students are convinced that they shouldn’t go back online and believe the drawbacks outweigh any benefits.
“Being online, students tend to not learn, not pay attention and also are isolated. Being in-person is so much better for students’ mental health, and their overall academic success. I don’t know anyone who enjoyed the time they spent online, by themselves, without social interaction, which we teenagers need,” senior Jasmine Boggs said.
Spending multiple hours alone can become frustrating and lonely. Students need social interaction. Not only do students’ mental health worsen, but so do their grades. Doing school at home and being stuck in your room can cause you to lose motivation. Last year, most students wouldn’t even bother to get out of bed and get dressed. Going to school in-person forces you to get up and be ready for the day. Staying in-person will benefit the mental health of students but could harm student’s physical health.
Many students and parents are worried for the health and safety of others, and after seeing how many students have been out due to COVID-19, it can be very scary. Going online is not the answer. Communication with teachers and students can be hard and confusing at a distance.
“Since I am a Running Start student, I’ve gotten used to being online and it works for me, sometimes, but I wish I got to see and work with students and ask teachers questions in-person, because it is really hard to communicate over email,“ Boggs said.
Some teachers respond quickly to emails and others do not. For the students with teachers who do not respond fast, it can be very stressful for the students who need the extra help. In-person learning students are able to stay after school or go to the Learning Commons for help.
