By Ananya Parekh '24
It’s Back-to-School, 2021 Edition! But, it’s not the typical return that everyone would expect. Last year, we transitioned from traditional classroom instruction to a makeshift class in our living rooms, and this forced us to adjust to what would be considered, “the new normal.” Now, with a new school year in full swing, we are just beginning to come to terms with the next phase of our new normal.
Recently, we were thrown a huge curveball: the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, schools shut all over the world, and more than 1.2 billion students were out of school. While it was a major transition, students were able to adapt to a new lifestyle, and many even pursued home schooling even after lockdown had ended, as they had felt that it supported their individual needs as learners. However, several people found it difficult to cope with the material being taught, and complained that they did not feel engaged nor did they retain any of the information taught. 9th grade student Eve Rieser expressed her thoughts on remote learning, describing it as a very “isolating” learning environment. “The greatest downside of remote learning was the lack of engagement in the class. I got distracted all the time and lost motivation to continue learning.” Despite the constant amount of the screen time, the instruction provided was not adequately supporting her needs, as well as the needs of her peers. 4th grade student Ariana Parekh adamantly stated her unhappiness with learning remotely. “I missed all my friends,” she claimed. “I could not be around anyone, and it felt boring most of the time.”
Fast forward to September of 2021. After 16 months of constant screen time and lack of socializing, the new school year has officially begun! As staff, faculty, and students fill the classrooms and hallways, the school buzzes with cheers and laughter. Even though we are returning post-lockdown, some school traditions have still been preserved. For instance, the lower grade students had back to school celebrations in their classrooms, while the middle and upper grade students bonded over pizza and music in the courtyard. In addition, field trips and exploration days resumed. Even though the mask mandate has imposed some difficulties, our school has done everything possible to ensure more communication with one another to increase connections. Middle grades teacher Suna Shin describes this experience as “a very bright and positive adjustment that has instilled a sense of normalcy amongst everyone.” She is happy that she has the ability to reconnect with students and faculty, and feels that the transition back to in-person learning is “nothing but exciting.”
“Coming back into the building, I was fascinated by the change in students, particularly those who moved from middle to high school. Everyone is so grown up, and I see how fast time flies, but it was difficult to experience that joy during remote instruction.” Ms. Shin is hopeful that there will not be another lockdown, but if that is the case, then she will empathize with students and their individual needs, and continue to be patient, open-minded, and creative in her learning approach.
Overall, everyone can agree that there have been significant improvements going from online learning and learning in-person. However, some people still find it difficult to transition. Many people struggle with adapting to a new environment, or revisiting something after a long time, but it is most important to find your bearings, and take every day as it comes. To close this out, the Hun School of Princeton has suggested some tips to help you get back into your old school life, or, as you might say, your “new normal”:
Establish a routine for yourself, and stick to it. This is especially helpful if you tend to slack off sometimes but want structure to your day. Even before the pandemic, routines were an integral part of what helped students excel. While getting into a routine is important, don’t forget to care for yourself, and take breaks as needed.
Find ways to stay connected with friends. While safety during COVID is important, there are still many ways to engage with friends in a physically distanced way. And even if you are close to just 1 friend, studies have shown that it can take you a lot farther than having a larger group of friends that you are not always comfortable around.
Talk to a guidance counselor. They are always there to help. If you feel anxious about your workload, or have concerns about your new school lifestyle, do not be afraid to reach out to them -- in the toughest of times, they will be your strongest allies!
Stay flexible. Ultimately, everyone is in the same boat. We are all trying to figure out our way in this new phase of school, and students, faculty, and administrators are working to ensure a safe and fun environment for everyone. Things may change at any time, so staying flexible can serve as one of your greatest assets.
School can be daunting, and sometimes even scary. But always remember: we are all in this together. Welcome back, NEST+m, and enjoy the rest of your school year!
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