Back to School

By: Annie Bowles, Elise Almeida, and Alaina Wall

Welcome back Kodiaks to the new school year of 2020-2021! Though it isn’t the year that anyone could have imagined, students and teachers are trying to make the best out of the situation and are eager to find new ways to make online education easier for everyone. 

Six months ago, residents in Leavenworth, Washington, were taken by surprise by the impact of Covid-19. Students and teachers were rushed into online schooling. The shock of switching to online school was a difficult transition for everyone. However, over the summer, teachers have been planning and prepping in order to make online school this fall more organized and

accessible.

When students think about the first day of school, the majority think of the excitement of seeing everyone after summer break, the pressure of picking out the perfect first day of school outfit or the feeling of being in a classroom with friends. Unfortunately, the students at Cascade High School did not have a normal first day of school this year. Nevertheless, staff members tried to bring some normalcy and social interaction by putting together a first day of school orientation. 

On August 28th each school subject had its own tent that was set up around the parking lot at the high school.  Teachers and counselors gave out materials needed for students to be successful in their classes. It was bittersweet for both staff and students. Freshman, Karsten Bowles was eager and happy to see a few classmates and a teacher he had not seen in six months. “I was happy to see them, it had been a really long time.” At orientation, students, teachers, friends, and family members were seen talking about their summer, and the many events that have happened to them during our unprecedented break.

For some, it was a stimulating and fun event, but for others it was a reminder of how everything had changed. Senior, Landon Davies said, “It was honestly kind of like a slap in the face. I got there and then they had booths set up on everything that we are going to miss. And then I got my computer and then Mr. Daley said, ‘I really hope you can finish your senior year in person.’ And I was like, ‘yeah me too.’ And that made me super sad, because I personally love school so it's super sad that it’s my last year at Cascade is going to be partially online or if not all online.” Though the orientation left many students feeling disappointed and sad about this upcoming school year, Kodiaks are now back in session and showing their resilience.

Transitioning from summer break to school is not an easy task, especially when it’s online learning. Every student has their own routine and ways they keep themselves ready and motivated to learn. Junior, Carly Ostrem said, “My typical school day looks like me waking up 10 minutes before class starts, then I take my break after my first zoom, eat a snack and after I’m done with school, I safely hang out with friends.” When asked about how she is enjoying online schooling versus in school learning, she replied, “I feel like there are positives and negatives to both. I try to look at the situation positively. We get an extra hour of sleep, there’s less work, but it’s more stressful.” 

It can be challenging to find positives, but when asked how online school has benefited them, many Kodiaks have noticed that they have adapted healthier habits. Sophomore, Zoe Boggs said, “I drink water now and I get good sleep, sometimes.” Although online school isn’t optimal for most students, having more of an independent learning style can help students become more responsible. 

When asked what students liked about this year of online school vs. last year’s online school, the majority agreed that this year Cascade is better organized. Having structure and a better schedule has made school more manageable and less stressful. Sophomore, Annie Jenkins said, “I definitely like this year's online learning better than last years because I am someone who needs structure in order to get things done and I feel like having the schedule helps me stay on track and makes school feel more normal.” This year of online school has more structure, with mandatory zoom calls scheduled each day.  Students and teachers are more comfortable using apps such as Canvas and Zoom.  It has also helped that everyone has learned to accept change as a necessity due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Even though the majority of students at Cascade High School do not enjoy online schooling, there are a few exceptions. Senior Kalin Oneal said, “I love online school, depending on the day, I get done with my schoolwork at 12, so I have more time to do other things.” Kalin Oneal then explains that because of online school, she has more time to go outside and perform hobbies that relieve any stress that she has about school or other issues of the world.

When asked what advice he would give to students who are not enjoying online school, Principal, Mr. Daley said, “Well, nobody likes being online as we are all social by nature. One of the best parts of school is being able to interact with others. My main piece of advice would be to try and do the best that they can, so they do not get behind and risk not graduating on time. When faced with challenging situations, our true character and integrity are revealed. My hope is that each student accepts the challenge and perseveres through this tough time.” 

At the end of the day, though the situation is not ideal, all anyone can do is try to think positively and try our hardest through the circumstances. If anyone is feeling overwhelmed or stressed please talk to your teachers and counselors, they are available to help you in a variety of ways through this crazy time. When asked what piece of advice they would give students who feel stressed, Brooks Murphy, intervention specialist at Cascade High School replied, “I'm urging folks to not beat themselves up because this is all new territory for all of us. It's imperative they take care of themselves with diet, exercise, rest, connections with friends and family, etc... When it gets to be too much, focus on positives, like doing a gratitude list and brainstorming with a co-worker.” Hopefully, if all Kodiaks follow health guidelines, all students and teachers can safely return to the high school and see each other again in person.