New year, new learning options

An update on the reopening of VUSD schools.

As we delve into the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year, both students and families are faced with varying decisions to make regarding the methods of learning for the remainder of the school year . Small groups of students have already gathered and have experienced little to no complications regarding the health of individuals.

Sophomore Jack Gordon commented, “I feel that I and many other students are having a hard time focusing and getting the same learning experience online versus in person.” Gordon continued, “I know it would be very difficult to enforce the protocols for COVID-19 but I am hoping the students, would be respectful and be grateful to be able to come back to school.”

Music programs and dance teams have begun collaborating in small groups. Such small groups are unable to extend to clubs in order to maintain the safety protocol. Certain sports have already commenced light conditioning. Football has recorded no positive cases among athletes and has practiced safety guidelines.

Students as well as parents were sent emails regarding their learning preferences for the following semester on Dec. 10. Students who did not respond to the survey are automatically continuing 100% distanced learning.

Junior Inman Costa is not interested in going back to in-person school for reasons unrelated to health. “I feel that my day online is five times easier than it was at school,” Costa said. Cost also explained he feels as though schools run at high risk of spreading COVID-19 even if the necessary precautions are taken.

The option of returning also poses the risk of possible outbreaks resulting in closures. When asked about the situation, senior Jordan Wagoner responded, “I am not interested in going back to school in Jan. I live in a very high risk household and I do believe students who do not think COVID-19 is a big deal will be wearing masks correctly or at all without staff [enforcement].”

Ventura Unified School District’s plans for maintaining safety protocols include plexiglass barriers placed in areas six feet apart, directional walkways in order to minimize contact, along with informational signs dispersed throughout. Masks will be given on an “as needed” basis per request but bringing one to school is preferred. Other items that will be provided in classrooms include touchless thermometers, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.

Students are expected to wear their approved masks over the mouth and nose while waiting to enter the campus, waiting for the bus, on the bus and upon entrance and exit from the campus.

If a student or family does not want to wear a mask to school or is found to be out of compliance consistently, they will be moved to a 100% distance learning option.

Continued on thecougarpress.org