Hybrid vs At Home

Comparing which is better; at home or in personWhich is better: at home or inperson learning?

By Sarah Maniscalo, Staff

Zionsville Community High School is divided between remote and in-person learning; not only physically, but figuratively. Students across the district have been forced to evaluate and reevaluate their priorities in this unprecedented time. Is social and mental health or physical health more important? Will students still receive a good education, regardless of location? Is it even safe to go to school? Opinions vary across the spectrum on which option is best. Iris Bailey, junior, is participating in the hybrid and now in-person schedule. She chose that option to maintain the social aspect of school in her life. “It was important for me especially to be with other people,” Bailey said. “With how last semester ended, it made me realize how much I missed being able to talk to my friends and see them almost every day.” Kendyl Eber, sophomore, said. A small percentage of the student body chose the remote-learning option for the fall semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Within the total ZCHS student population of 2163 students, approximately 7 percent started off the school year completely virtual. When deciding, it was an obvious choice for many – just go back to school! For others, it involved more contemplation. Tara Harmon, senior, switched to remote learning after the start of school. “I chose it after the first day of classes when I realized how accessible things were to students online.” Harmon said, “I was always nervous about going back into school just because of the health and safety for me and my family. I just wanted to be as safe as possible.” The staff has done their best in this unprecedented situation. Most remote learners, like Harmon, feel involved in class. “Teachers are doing a really good job of keeping everything accessible to students. I think Zooms are going really well,” Harmon said. “It’s pretty easy to keep up with what the teachers have posted, and the lessons they have.” As the school community has grown more accustomed to a “new normal,” the student population is split between two perspectives, with the teachers working more to ensure every student receives a quality education. Students in the classroom feel their class-time involvement is more limited than in years prior. “It’s kind of frustrating to be in school and have the people on Zoom at home, because the teachers really try to teach the same curriculum. So, there’s a lot of focus on getting the kids at home where they need to be,” Bailey said. For some students, the choice was clear. “I chose [remote learning] because I feel like it’s much safer. Rather than have to risk getting Covid-19 every day, it’s within the safety of my own home.” Chris Ellsworth, junior During a global pandemic, remote learning is the most practical option to prevent to spread of Covid-19, but I believe the decision is entirely case-by-case. “We always have to be very open-minded and considerate during this time. Everyone has different beliefs and different precautions they need to be taking,” Harmon said. “I think it’s really important not to judge the decisions of others…. Everyone is coming from a different circumstance and a different mindset.” The in-person schedule gives students

photo by Sarah Maniscalo

something that remote learning cannot: social time. Whether it’s talking to ones’ friends or simply sitting in a class with peers, the in-person classes provide social interaction. “It’s better to interact with your teachers and peers in person, while staying safe, obviously.” Lilly Bass, sophomore, said. “I know some people who mentally need the social aspect, myself included,” Alli Domogalik, junior, said, “My mental health can be rocky like most teenagers, and being social and with friends is honestly what helps me do better in school.” Everyone is craving normalcy during these uncertain times. Dana Irizarry, freshmen, chose the in-person sched“With how ule for that very reason. last semes “I wanted as ter ended, much ‘normal’ as possible,” Irizarry said. it made me realize The importance how much I of mental health is crucial, but the missed being significance of able to talk to physical health during this time should not be my friends.” - Kendyl Eber, undermined. In 11 the middle of a global pandemic, everyone needs to take individual steps to do what is best for themselves and their families. This is an unprecedented time and there is no “right” or “wrong.”

MASK ON MASK OFF

When Ava Bankert, freshman, is shopping for the latest accessory, the face mask of course, she isn’t just looking for one that will protect her from contracting Covid,. This is important, however, Bankert is looking for one with style. During these trying times finding a little bit of style is exactly what everyone needs.

There are not many types ofnose pieces, but having one helps prevent glasses from fogging.

Different kinds of straps include adjustable, elastic, and cotton straps, choosing the most comfortable will help with irritation around the head.

BANDANAS / GATORS

While these “masks” are considered the most comfortable, as they do not have ear straps, the CDC has stated that they do not block all of the respiratory droplets that the other masks do. However, they are comfortable on the mouth and nose and come in many different color and styles. They are also easy to wash, and to remove. Although they can look a little strange when you wear them, and they give your face a bit of a weird look, and are uncomfortable to tie around the back. These masks are the original face masks that many doctors and other medical professionals wore before the pandemic began. They are comfortable, have the wire that bends over your nose so it actually works, fits well on the wearers face and head, and are easy to take on and off. However, they are bad for the earth, as they are disposable, the blue color clashes with most outfits, and the pleats might irritate your skin.“The classic blue medical masks [that] doctors wear look the worst,” sophomore Addison Echeveria said.

By Kailey Wallenius, News & Sports Editor

Masks are sold in different shapes, like the ones that mold to your head, or the ones that form a bubble around

the nose and mouth.

Picking a material that best fits you will not only be more comfortable, but can also give

DISPOSABLE

you more style.

WASHABLE COTTON

Cotton or other material masks are some of the most common. They come in many styles, which are available at many stores like Old Navy and Target, are comfortable to wear, easy to take on and off, and there are options to get adjustable straps. However, some of the materials might be difficult to breathe in, and these can be tight on the ears if the straps are not adjustable. There are even masks available to purchase with the school logo on them. “I wear a cloth mask with the school logo on it,” junior Will Reinhart said. “I like the cloth material more because it feels more comfortable around my face.” opinion 17