Senior Celebration?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, students internationally are faced with unprecedented challenges to getting an education. Arizona schools are closed for the remainder of the school year. Students are isolated with their families and, for many, it is a generally stressful period to venture. To keep students learning and prepared for the years of their education to come, many schools are switching to online classes. It is a change and challenge COVID-19 pandemic is shocking students into a new norm By Jadyn Fisher for students, teachers and parents amidst a pandemic.

For local DVUSD students, we went into spring break expecting to be back in classes the following week. It was a shock to hear it was extended and then eventually that school was canceled for the year. Online classes started April 6 and will continue for the rest of the semester. For high school students, having a preexisting online structure in classes with the school iPads made it a relatively easy switch. All assignments and due dates are uploaded to canvas as usual, with additional “offi ce hours” so students can “visit” their teachers for additional help and support.

For families with younger children, this is not as simple. Online learning was not previously established, and parents have to help their young kids login and complete assignments. Th is also requires a computer and internet connection, which not all are fortunate to have. To combat this, DVUSD is loaning students Chromebooks and iPads so students have access to these online assignments. Many internet companies are also off ering more aff ordable ways to get Wi-Fi. Any students without this access can request schoolwork packets as well.

Technica l adversit y aside, students also may be struggling socially. It is a big change for everyone to not be around their friends, especially for seniors, as they will not experience a lot of their “lasts.”

Proms have been canceled, as well as many graduation ceremonies. They’re unable to give a proper farewell to the schools they have spent years attending or to the teachers who have shaped their education. Although it may seem insignificant in a time of a global pandemic, show some extra love to the seniors so they get the recognition they deserve after 13 years of education. Write them a letter congratulating them, give them a phone call, leave a note on their door or do anything you can to let them know you are thinking of them—from 6 feet apart, of course.

For students, here are some things you can do to make the best of this quarantine and keep your motivation. 1. Stay on a schedule—Try sticking to a routine by waking up at the same time every morning, putting on something that makes you feel good (even if that is pajamas) and eating consistent meals. 2. Keep in touch—FaceTime your friends, text them a reminder you are thinking of them, drop something off on their porch, anything you can do to stay connected even when you’re apart. 3. Relax—This isn’t going to go on forever. Make the best of what you have now: time. Use that time to practice self-care, getting rest, eating well, and trying to get some exercise to reduce stress. Maybe self-care is reading a new book, picking up a new hobby or any of those things that you have always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance. If there is nothing you want to start new, that is OK, too. This is a time to give yourself grace.

Above all, do what you can to help our health care heroes by staying home, washing your hands and social distancing. I wish you all health and peace during this time and a big congratulations to all of our 2020 graduates!