Wednesday afternoon while nearing the end of the day a surprise announcement came over all the students and teachers at BASH. A mandatory shutdown until December 1st, due to the rising number of Covid cases. Ths announcement shocked most of the students, and felt all too familiar for all of us.

Now that it’s been a steady year since we’ve seen Zoom/Google Meet, unfortunately we have to get back into the swing of things with these virtual classes for the next two weeks (hopefully just until then). 

Now what are the protocols for these online classes? Teachers say they want cameras on, and microphones off unless spoken too. They also prefer you to treat it like a normal school day, meaning being on time and actually being professionally dressed and groomed for class, as always. For example; not laying in bed, in pajamas right as you jut woke up. Now all of these measures make sense for they miss seeing your smiling faces and coming into class each day, meanwhile they are stuck at school having to treat it as a normal day; and you should too. This google doc, shared by social studies teacher, Mr. Burychka, can help you stay organized!

On the other hand it is understandable why the students are reluctant with these actions. It is difficult especially when you have no motivation to get up or do your work since you are just at your house. Also when there is the temptation of lying in bed so close to you it is difficult to resist. This is all sprung on us so quickly and is understandable why some students have no motivation or feel like the world is over again. 

Now combining the two factors of teachers wanting you to learn and see your face, and students feeling indolent, a good way to stay motivated is to get out of bed and make yourself breakfast; treat it like a normal school day. Plus we may never get this opportunity again so take advantage of having school at home. After All this is a tough time for all of us, so try to make the most of it.

All students and teachers hope to see your smiling facing back in school again in 2 weeks, and remember to communicate your teachers as needed!