Val O’Neill, Media Editor
@valocourant
Last month, NCPS teachers who wished to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were able to get it. With the distribution of vaccines, at first there was anxiety and uncertainty about when people would receive their doses. However, the NCPS system was able to reduce those nerves by making the vaccination process less complicated and more organized.
Social Studies teacher Michael Joshi was especially enthusiastic about the efficiency of vaccine distribution. “The school system eliminated all anxiety and worry for us. They sent us an email with a time and a form that we had to fill out, and all we had to do was show up and we got our shot,” Mr. Joshi said. “They made it painless and seamless.”
Mr. Joshi believes that the teacher vaccinations are the first step in working towards a more ‘normal’ future. “This has shown how important having traditional school activities is,” Mr. Joshi said. “These things are very important in building a school community.” Mr. Joshi is not the only one feeling hopeful about the vaccination process. The school as a whole is starting to feel hopeful for a more normal future for education.
The feeling of hopefulness has ignited many emotions within NCPS staff members. “I saw people with tears in their eyes at my vaccination,” Mr. Joshi said, “It was something that everyone was dreaming of happening.”
The recent teacher vaccinations have allowed many, including STEM teacher Rachel Martinich, to feel safer teaching in person. “I was teaching from my desk and not walking around before, but now that I’m 75% vaccinated, I feel more comfortable approaching my students in the classroom,” Ms. Martinich said. “It gives me peace of mind that we can start moving forward, and get back to something that resembles what life used to look like.”
However, a large unknown about the pandemic and the future of education is how long students and teachers will have to wear masks. Ms. Martinich expressed uncertainty over the idea. “It’s not something I really thought about,” Ms. Martinich said. “I see myself being okay not wearing a mask.”
English teacher Arri Weeks feels flexible about the idea of not wearing masks in the future. Ms. Weeks will continue to follow the recommendation of the CDC, government regulations, and mandates. “In school, as long as the virus is a threat, masks should be school protocol,” Ms. Weeks said. Even with vaccines, the CDC still recommends mask wearing.
Many are still wondering how long mitigation strategies will go on. Due to the pandemic, all seating areas in classrooms have been spread out to maintain at least three feet social distancing. The hallways are also organized with arrows and tape to encourage social distancing. Ms. Weeks does not think that social distancing will become normal. “I don’t think it’s in our nature. It’s a human tendency to want to be close,” Ms. Weeks said.
The implementation of hybrid learning has also created problems. One of them being the everlasting struggle of online learning.
“The majority of adolescents cannot handle learning through a screen,” Ms. Weeks said. “Mental health wise, I’ve seen kids deteriorate and not make the best choices.” Ms. Weeks believes prioritizing students’ mental health is as important as maintaining safety in schools.
Assistant Principal Ari Rothman is optimistic for the school’s future. However, he thinks the structure of the school in the near future will remain the same. “In terms of how the school looks moving forward, I don’t foresee anything different,” Mr. Rothman said.
“I think normal is going to come when there are statistically enough people that you have a minimal concern about spread,” Mr. Rothman said. As an administrator responsible for many extracurricular school activities, Mr. Rothman feels optimistic about resuming these activities. “Our goal has always been to try and do all the fun things as best as possible,” Mr. Rothman said.
Similar to the other teachers, Mr. Rothman thinks the vaccination of teachers is putting NCPS on track to return to normal. He believes the continuation of teacher and student vaccines is sparking a bright future for schools. “I think more people will feel confident and safer,” Mr. Rothman said. “We’re getting back to normal.”
