Due to regulations set by the district and state, students are now allowed to attend school in a safe environment in order to continue their education. However, the transition from online learning to in person is tough for not only the students, but for the school as a whole. 

“I have all new students in American Sign Language (ASL) 1. I have to try to match faces and names and it’s hard to do all online,” ASL teacher Joseph Holmberg said. “In many ways, it’s harder to do things strictly online, but it’s easier to grade assignments and not have to bring a pile of papers home. Cloud computing is the future.”

Transitioning back to school in person is also hard on new students because of the alphabetical group separation and marked hallways. Freshmen who aren’t familiar with the school layout can have trouble finding their classes and adjusting to the staggered bell schedule. Some freshmen have the advantage of already having used Schoology in middle school, and are mainly focused on finding their classrooms and getting settled into a routine.

“The only part I think will be hard about this year is figuring out where my classes are,” freshman Ja’Lyn Dargans said. “I think it will be pretty confusing because AHS is so big. I wish it was all in person so I can play sports and meet new people, but it’s not that bad, just a little confusing.”

Though many students are nervous about the start of the new year, some are confident that this year will be a good one. Despite being new to the school, it is easy for some to ease into a routine, even with alternating school days. 

“It’s hard because I have to worry about the work at home and the work here,” freshman Ricky Nazario said. “I procrastinate a lot, but I have all A’s right now, so it’s not too difficult. It’s been easy to get around the school since the rooms are clearly numbered.”

With a rough start to the school year, a lot of new teachers and students are learning to adapt to new technology and new surroundings. Most hope the year will improve as everyone gets settled into a routine.