After a two-and-a-half week hiatus from in-person learning, it has been decided that there is enough staff to return to school in person on Monday, Dec. 7. The school board will continue to monitor the number of positive cases to ensure that the school has enough staff to continue in-person learning. If the positive cases continue to rise, further action will be taken to decide how to handle the situation.

     As of Nov. 29, Lake County has been classified as RED due to the high increase in positive COVID-19 cases. While this statistic remains in the school board’s mind, any decision to suspend in-person learning will be mainly based on the availability of staff. Dr. Larry Veracco has recommended that families keep contingency plans for child care ready in case of any future suspension of in-person learning that may come with a shorter notice. 

    It is no new information that any topic related to COVID-19 is one of controversy. This new debate on whether or not we should return to in-person learning has students questioning which side they stand on.

    Some students miss the in-person learning and are jumping at the opportunity to go back to school.

    “I learn better in school, and no, I’m not really worried about going back. My favorite thing about in-person learning is that I get to see my friends and learn in a classroom,” Tyler Graciano (9) said.

    Many students agree that the distractions of e-learning hinder their ability to focus and really learn the material.

    “I definitely learn better at school. Being at home gives me access to too many distractions, and it is very difficult for me to focus. I’m a social butterfly, and I appreciate being able to interact with my teachers, classmates and friends,” Kori Kosteba (11) said.

    With this idea of going back to school comes the opposite side. Going back to school may cause some students and families worries.

    “I’m a little nervous going back with the numbers so high, mostly because my being able to work and seeing my family depends fully on me being healthy,” Madison Re (12) said.

    Many students are concerned not only for themselves, but for their families and even the staff that helps keep our school running.

    “As much as I want to go back, we need to stay safe with these cases rising dramatically. Protecting the teachers is probably the biggest concern,” Hayden Podlin (12) said.