On Mar. 1 and 8, students who opted for hybrid learning stepped onto campus and into classrooms for the first time in almost a full year for a “Safety Training” during Monday’s advisory class in anticipation for our return to in-person learning. Students showed their Safe2Speakup passes and briskly walked down the less crowded hallways to their classes. Upon entering the classroom, it was nothing like we’ve seen before as desks were separated in rows socially distanced six feet apart. Upon that moment, we all knew what we were returning to is definitely not the same as it was before. With the astute and collaborative efforts of our school and district’s administration, students returned to a very different TL than they have last remembered, all in the name of safety. While those who opted to return to in-person learning are settled into an augmented setting, we look forward to the next school year and are excited to share a few things that we hope for and can expect to happen. 

The transition to in-person learning has been, quite frankly, a massive success. There have been no reports of cases within the student and staff body and this could mostly be attributed to the protocol in place to prevent the virus from entering our campus in the first place. Venetia Valley, a K-8 school, used similar protocols and made headlines for their success much earlier in Nov. 2020. At TL, the Safe2Speakup app is used to confirm with all hybrid students that they do not exhibit any symptoms of the virus and that they are cleared to begin their day on campus. Upon entrance, signs and tape mark one-way walkways on either side of the hallway where people could navigate the halls without confusion and any unnecessary contact. Hand sanitizing stations are located at almost every corner and, of course, masks must always be worn. These seemingly simple steps played an integral part in making sure everyone on campus is safe and prepared for in-person learning. 

As hybrid instruction began, it was unlike anything that we’ve ever experienced before. In many classes, half of the class would be spread out across the classroom while the other half are mere portraits on the projector screen. Teachers faced the difficult task of juggling two audiences at once and definitely faced a few difficulties along the way. Matthew Malkin, a Junior at TL partaking in remote learning, explains that “At times it feels as though the teacher’s attention is not fully on us, and we’ll occasionally miss what is on the board, or projector. Despite these small inconveniences, it feels nearly identical to the previous semester.” David Tow, an English and Philosophy teacher at TL, also recognizes the difficult task of balancing technically two classes at once and does agree that it has been challenging, but that hasn’t stopped him from ensuring students that he’s doing everything within his abilities to deliver the best quality of education that he can provide. Despite these “minor inconveniences”, both Matthew and Mr. Tow are extremely excited to witness TL begin to return to the classroom setting.

With only less than two months remaining in this school year, that poses the question about what next year would look like? There are so many questions we all have and most of them unfortunately have to remain unanswered for some time as the CDC, state, county, district, and school administration would have to collaborate on and ensure that everyone’s safety is the foremost prioritized. Vaccinations are increasing by the day with most teachers being vaccinated and the student body ages 16-18 being prioritized on Apr. 15. At this rate, Jim Hogeboom, Superintendent of San Rafael City Schools, released a statement that shares optimism in all schools of all grade levels within the district moving onward to an “expanded in-person learning as soon as Monday, May 3”. TL Principal Katy Dunlap’s most recent Principal’s Message also states, “all signs point towards a new school year operating under much more ‘normal’ circumstances”. The goal is to return in Aug. 2021 to full capacity classrooms with all students and teachers being in person. When we do return, ASB needs your help in sharing suggestions for Covid-safe events next year for the upcoming senior class. Be sure to send in suggestions through the link at the Class of 2022’s Instagram bio to make their senior year a bounceback year! 

While we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, it is safe to say that we’re all excited to return to a more normal school day and enjoy the qualities that high school has to offer us. We can’t wait to be able to enjoy lunch with our friends, participate in interactive class activities, and prioritize our education without fear of a global health crisis. We’ve given up well over a year of our life and it is almost time to bounce back and reclaim it. Hang in there TL.