COVID-19 has caused many schools to move to a virtual setting this year, in order to maintain safe social distancing. Although this has caused many inconveniences and hardships with adjusting, over time, people have learned to adapt. For example, Valencia High School, VHS, has found ways to continue keeping school spirit throughout quarantine.
Normally at VHS, students would participate in Spirit Days, organized by the school’s Associated Student Body, to lift students’ moods during their studies. After the school closed, due to COVID-19, VHS’ ASB invited students to a Google Classroom to continue the tradition on a virtual platform. Here, it was announced that students could partake in the “Clash of Classes.”
The “Clash of Classes” is a fun competition between grade levels in which students can earn points for participating in different activities. These points can be used to earn rewards, such as homework passes or free food. The grade level with the highest number of points by the end of the semester wins a special prize. Activities are posted as optional assignments on the Google Classroom, and completion gives students points. One student said, “I actually really like this creative idea for this semester. Before, when we had in-person school, we didn’t have the opportunity to win any cool prizes or anything. Now that we do, I feel a bit more motivated to do things, which is great, considering how unmotivated quarantine makes all of us.”
Activities can vary from wearing a mask, signing up for a club, or maintaining a certain GPA. Different weeks have certain themes; for example, “Gaming Spirit Week,” or “Virtual Club Rush Week.” Each spirit day provides a different interest and an opportunity for students to alleviate some stress from their Zoom classes. Everyone also has an equal chance at winning individual awards, which is a large benefit.
Despite the struggles many people face during this time, VHS’ ASB has gone out of their way to implement a new and inclusive experience for all students. As one sophomore puts it, “It’s amazing how we can all stay united, even if we’re physically separated and can only communicate with screens. I really love those moments where it feels like things haven’t changed as much as they have.”
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has made numerous drastic changes to people’s lives, but this hasn’t stopped them from carrying on with what they wish to do and accomplish. It’s wonderful how people recognize that they don’t have to continue alone and can help each other out through this unusual period in their lives. It is important to stay positive and continue with our lives during this pandemic.
