With every passing day of virtual learning, it seems like the same question is brought up: “When will this end?” Although it is uncertain exactly when in-person learning will start, more and more classes have been talking about this happening since Sacramento’s recent status change in COVID-19 cases. Schools, specifically Mira Loma, should go back to in-person learning next semester, regardless of whether the Covid-19 vaccine is released or not.
Distance learning has had a big impact on students and teachers alike. Classes have been unable to participate in activities they would normally be able to do in person, like labs or discussions. Students have had to use brand new resources and adjust to many different settings. If school went back to in-person learning, classes would have these opportunities again to get the full high school experience. With Sacramento’s infection rates dropping, more businesses have opened, and other cities with patterns like this have been able to open indoor dining and shopping while maintaining social distancing and masking policies. Schools should follow this trend. In July, the CDC released an article on the importance of reopening schools. They stated, “Aside from a child’s home, no other setting has more influence on a child’s health and well-being than their school.” Without physical school, students are not getting the exposure to social interaction that shapes them into the people they grow up to be. Returning to school would be beneficial to teachers and students.
This claim, of course, would not be made unconditionally. Christopher Keohanam, class of 2024 at Mira Loma, says “I feel like going back to school would probably cause a big surge in Covid cases, even if we go back with a hybrid-system in place.” Some schools across America have been given permission to go back to school in-person, although many have not been able to go back entirely. The most common learning model at the moment has been to teach classrooms that are at 50% capacity, with each student attending physical school 2 days a week while the school implements an enhanced cleaning and distance protocol. The schools are split into two groups that switch in person learning days (ie., one group attends Mondays and Thursdays while the other attends Tuesdays and Fridays). All students and teachers must wear masks when attending any in-person learning and have their temperature checked. With all of these regulations in place, the spread of the virus would be slowed. Next semester, Mira Loma could go back under similar circumstances. Sophia Costa, another student in the class of 2024, says “I definitely don’t like distance learning and would love to go back [to school]- provided it’s safe…. So many people have already died and we have the power to save lives if we can just set aside our own preferences and do what’s right for the greater good.”
Mira Loma should return to school next semester under these conditions. Although there is no way to tell how COVID-19 will affect the future, we can do our part to do what’s best for our education and for everyone.
This editorial piece reflects the author’s viewpoints only and not necessarily the viewpoints of Mira Loma Today’s staff, editors, or associated students.
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