Surge Stops School Reopening
Recent spike in COVID-19 cases confirms online school in the upcoming semester
By Gabriella Vasquez
Recent spike in COVID-19 cases confirms online school in the upcoming semester
By Gabriella Vasquez
Less than a year ago all California schools were in session and students expected to return to school the following semester, but nearing the end of 2020, the district's plan to return students to their classrooms has been sabotaged by the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
Originally the district arranged for a smaller number of students to return to in-person school, assuming that they were healthy. These students would be invited back based upon their grades, interest and schedule. Given that classes can only hold a certain amount of students, those who struggle to attend online school and maintain grades would be generally prioritized over students who wish to attend based on purely interest.
The district has now stated it will “delay the in-person learning option originally scheduled to begin on January 5th” in an email sent to parents and staff on Dec. 9. The same day the letter was sent, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health reported 1,700 new cases. Current data shows that Santa Clara is well within the purple tier, a measurement that represents widespread contamination of the coronavirus. According to the district, Santa Clara County also needs to maintain a moderate amount of cases for two weeks before students can officially return to school.
“First, from the looks of things now it doesn't look like I'll return to school. We just got into the purple tier and that's not looking good,” said Cameron Nguyen, 12. “For me I still have that urge to come back to school because I want sports to come back and to be able to finish the year like how it was supposed to be.”
Although school may not return to normal anytime soon, some students are unable to adjust to online school. Brenden Given, 12 opted to return to in-person learning when filling out the survey, despite his friends choosing differently.
“Personally I find it harder to ask questions and learn with all the distractions from home,” said Given. “I am returning to school more for education than social. Most of my friends are not returning, but I have found my grades are suffering due to online school.”
Staff are also concerned about whether or not students will be able to return to school safely. English teacher and COVID-19 response team member Beth Stafford said that while safety is the primary concern, there are important parts of school that students are missing out on at home.
“Schools provide many resources and support other than the traditional learning in a classroom. Schools provide food, clothes, shelter, socialization, counseling services, SPED services. Without those supports some students are struggling,” said Stafford. ”The overall day to day structure of school won't change until the pandemic is under control, so I don't see any major changes in the near future.”
Principal Herbert Espiritu agrees that it is important for students to be able to learn on campus, but also feels that it’s necessary to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to keep students safe.
“I believe in-person instruction enhances student learning experiences,” said Espiritu. “County and state guidelines don't allow students to return on campus when in the purple tier.”
At this point, only time will tell whether or not students can return to school, and students who are struggling to manage online classes may have to adjust their expectations even further if they continue to work and attend school from home. However, the district is setting up to continue in-person as long as it is safe to do so.
“Obviously we will not return if the county or state stays in the purple or red but we have to be ready for a safety plan for when students eventually return, so it's good to start the planning now” said Espiritu.
Originally the district arranged for a smaller number of students to return to in-person school, assuming that they were healthy. These students would be invited back based upon their grades, interest and schedule. Given that classes can only hold a certain amount of students, those who struggle to attend online school and maintain grades would be generally prioritized over students who wish to attend based on purely interest.
The district has now stated it will “delay the in-person learning option originally scheduled to begin on January 5th” in an email sent to parents and staff on Dec. 9. The same day the letter was sent, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health reported 1,700 new cases. Current data shows that Santa Clara is well within the purple tier, a measurement that represents widespread contamination of the coronavirus. According to the district, Santa Clara County also needs to maintain a moderate amount of cases for two weeks before students can officially return to school.
“First, from the looks of things now it doesn't look like I'll return to school. We just got into the purple tier and that's not looking good,” said Cameron Nguyen, 12. “For me I still have that urge to come back to school because I want sports to come back and to be able to finish the year like how it was supposed to be.”
Although school may not return to normal anytime soon, some students are unable to adjust to online school. Brenden Given, 12 opted to return to in-person learning when filling out the survey, despite his friends choosing differently.
“Personally I find it harder to ask questions and learn with all the distractions from home,” said Given. “I am returning to school more for education than social. Most of my friends are not returning, but I have found my grades are suffering due to online school.”
Staff are also concerned about whether or not students will be able to return to school safely. English teacher and COVID-19 response team member Beth Stafford said that while safety is the primary concern, there are important parts of school that students are missing out on at home.
“Schools provide many resources and support other than the traditional learning in a classroom. Schools provide food, clothes, shelter, socialization, counseling services, SPED services. Without those supports some students are struggling,” said Stafford. ”The overall day to day structure of school won't change until the pandemic is under control, so I don't see any major changes in the near future.”
Principal Herbert Espiritu agrees that it is important for students to be able to learn on campus, but also feels that it’s necessary to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to keep students safe.
“I believe in-person instruction enhances student learning experiences,” said Espiritu. “County and state guidelines don't allow students to return on campus when in the purple tier.”
At this point, only time will tell whether or not students can return to school, and students who are struggling to manage online classes may have to adjust their expectations even further if they continue to work and attend school from home. However, the district is setting up to continue in-person as long as it is safe to do so.
“Obviously we will not return if the county or state stays in the purple or red but we have to be ready for a safety plan for when students eventually return, so it's good to start the planning now” said Espiritu.