Returning to school after winter break and four snow days happens to be a mixed experience for students and teachers alike. The extended break offered both challenges and opportunities to recharge.
Freshman Remy Cox was thrown off by the unusual schedule.
“I think it was kind of weird that we had that many days off, just because I like being at school, and it just made me tired coming back after a very long time out,” Cox said.
Despite the disruption, Cox found a highlight in securing a new job over the break, which helped her manage her time effectively.
“It gave me time to figure out how to do it before I came back into school,” Cox said.
Coming back to school helps Cox stay busy during the day.
“Now that I’m coming back to school, I’m a lot happier because I don’t have to be home,” Cox said, “School is one of my ways to get away.”
Senior Chase Hartley expressed a different sentiment.
“I hate it,” Hartley said.
Hartley found the schedule confusing and annoying but remained focused on his sports goals.
“For the rest of the semester, [I want to] make it to state for wrestling and get the school record for track for the 100 meter,” Hartley said.
Teachers also faced challenges with the irregular schedule. Science teacher Nathan Stevens highlighted the difficulties of adapting to the abrupt changes.
“It was hard for me to change from winter break, as we did in those two snow days right off the bat,” Stevens said.
Stevens emphasized the importance of repetition in helping students transition back into the rhythm of schoolwork.
“Constantly reminding them, posting it multiple times, putting it on the board, and reminding them before they leave class [is effective],” Stevens said.
The impact of snow days on the A/B day schedule has sparked discussions among educators.
“I think we need to have a discussion as a district since A days and B days don’t affect middle school or elementary school,” Stevens said.
Adjusting the schedule to maintain consistency for testing and class progression remains a priority for Stevens.
“I don’t want to give out a test on a Thursday for B days and then not give that same test out until the following Friday for A days because they’re that far behind,” Stevens said.
As the semester continues, both students and teachers work to find a balance between adapting to changes and achieving their goals. Despite the challenges, the focus remains on making the most of the remaining school year.
