The Class of 2020 ended their senior year of high school with sadness. No graduation, no prom, and no parties. Everyone across the nation was able to empathize with these students, since the senior year is such a key part of high school. Many thought last semester was the end, but now, the Class of 2021 might face similar or even worse challenges for their senior year.
On Monday, July 13, 2020, LAUSD superintendent Austin Beutner announced that the schools in the LAUSD will be remote for the fall and possibly spring semesters. This brought a wave of emotions upon the rising seniors, including myself. At first, I was in disbelief. The fact that I would not be able to spend my last year of high school in person with my beloved teachers and friends was devastating. Even now, I am praying that we will at least have our second semester on campus. I interviewed a few students from Grover Cleveland Charter High School, Karen P. being one. She stated that “… it is not the same as being in a classroom… I find it hard to engage“. I’m sure many who are in the same situation can relate. Another major impact that remote education and social distancing can have on seniors includes the fact that many are not able to see their friends. During this stressful time, seniors are still having to worry about college applications as well as their final grades. Most of the time, students are able to pull through these struggles with the help of going out with others to take their minds off of the stress. But this is not an option, as most places are not open, and those that are may possibly be dangerous due to COVID-19. Staying home to do schoolwork can be very stressful and draining, which is a huge negative impact.
Due to this barrier in the educational aspect of school, many teachers, students, and administrators are trying to figure out how to create the best environment for everyone. Grover Cleveland Charter High School, specifically, is distributing textbooks through a reservation and pick-up system, which allows students to come at different dates and times to pick up their books for the semester. The school is practicing safe social distancing and is making sure students are wearing masks.
Another aspect of school that is so important in school pride and fellowship are dances and outings. Clubs and classes like ASB and Knights and Ladies, who usually plan, decorate, and volunteer at events like homecoming, prom, and back to school night, are now wondering what they are going to do to create a lifelike environment through devices like Chromebooks and Zoom, which is an online network similar to Skype.
