Story by Eve Boardman, photograph by Kyo Azuma

Caution tape, “Do Not Enter” signs, chalk on asphalt— we typically associate these with a crime scene. Yet, they have become the new normal in high schools across America. Caution tape creates barriers between kids in the hallways; “Do Not Enter” signs have been adapted to: “Do Not Enter Without A Mask,” or “Do Not Enter If You’ve Experienced These Symptoms.” Chalk drawn on the asphalt guides students in order to limit two-way traffic in the halls and parking lot. These new adjustments made to high schools pale in comparison to the other impacts and changes that have been necessary to adapt to the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic.

School provides structure and routine to the lives of students. Following that routine of waking up, going to classes, and coming home at certain times provides us with a sense of normalcy. The predictability of knowing that third period math class follows second period history class allows students’ brains to focus on academic content. Expectations for behaviour and academic performance are known and familiar. When schools closed approximately one year ago, students lost this structure and routine. At first, this greater amount of freedom and choice felt freeing. But, shortly thereafter, the negative consequences of the pandemic on the schooling system became apparent.

Staff and teachers have had to learn to use new communication platforms and are expected to deliver their curriculum to both in-person and virtual students. On top of these new hurdles, the mental health of teachers and staff is at risk as well. It is no secret that learning through a screen for hours on end is not ideal, but teaching and lecturing for that same amount of time is equally as painful (particularly when students keep their cameras off and rarely participate if they can help it). Lack of socialization has been incredibly detrimental to kids and teachers alike. Increased teacher retirement rates over the past years support the notion that teaching during the pandemic is far from a “break” or “vacation”. Rather, the challenges of teaching and engaging students have skyrocketed. The struggles students are facing during these trying times are not lost on teachers, administrators, and other staff. Many students find themselves lacking the motivation to participate or even attend classes. Missing out on high school events and memories takes a huge toll on the mental health of students as well.

All of these new changes made to schools during the pandemic are necessary even though they have many negative side effects on the quality of education and the mental health of students and teachers alike. To preserve the health and safety of our community, mask mandates, cleaning procedures, hybrid/virtual models, and all the other adaptations are vital. With the percentage of vaccinated people increasing each day, there is hope to be had. But we must remain patient and considerate of those around us. If all of the regulations and guidelines are followed, schools will be able to reopen sooner. Eventually, caution tape, “Do Not Enter” signs, and chalk on asphalt will revert back to being associated with a crime scene, and not our school systems.