Park prepares transition to hybrid model
Masks, social distancing required while in-person learning
Photo illustration by Talia Lissauer. “Please keep 6 feet distance” stickers have been placed throughout the hallways at Park. Other precautionary measure have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including following social distancing guidelines and the use of face coverings.
September 29, 2020
Despite the continuing pandemic, freshman Finn Baron said he would feel comfortable in a hybrid model as long as all precautionary measures were followed.
“I hope it’s kind of similar to how the cross country team works, very divided and not many people,” Baron said. “I feel pretty comfortable because as long as everyone wears masks and socially distances, we should be fine. I’m a little worried because of the risk of getting it, but I feel pretty comfortable going back.”
Students have been split into three cohorts. Cohort A includes students that last names begin A-K. Cohort B includes students whose last names begin with L-Z. Lastly, cohort C is for all students that opted into distance learning for the full semester. According to Assistant principal Jessica Busse, Park classes can fit 18 students and the majority of classes are under 35, which makes it feasible to stay safe.
Masks are required at all times when in school, according to Interim Principal Wendy Loberg. Students that choose to go in-person must sign a safety pledge agreeing to wear a mask, stay home if sick, avoid getting close to others and wash their hands regularly.
“Students can choose to go full distance if wearing the mask is too uncomfortable for them. We have a choice,” Loberg said. “We just cannot spend all our time policing masks. Students that come have signed a safety pledge, but students or adults cannot be in the building without (a mask).”
As long as students wear masks and use hand sanitizer, junior Ilhan Abdi said she feels comfortable transitioning to a hybrid model. Although the speed of her classes is acceptable, she said the pace is not ideal.
“Because we’re not in school and we cannot go at the pace that we usually go at, but there’s actually a good pace,” Abdi said.
The distance learning schedule has been slightly altered to include four lunches that stagger with fifth hour and park connections, according to Busse. After class, students are expected to wipe down their seats before leaving the classroom.
“As part of the community, we’re going to be cleaning up after ourselves. The teachers have a supply kit of all of the cleaning supplies, and students will be asked to wipe their desks down, after class,” Busse said. “Then, at the end of the day, our custodial crew will be taking care of general cleaning just like normal.”
Students and staff are expected to keep their masks on while inside the bathrooms. Trash cans have been moved out to the hallway so everyone can use paper towels to open the door and throw it away after.
Abdi said the hybrid model could be beneficial for taking tests, but she is concerned about how teachers are supposed to balance the in-person students and distance learning students on Zoom or Google Meet calls.
“If they’re teaching in a classroom, they’ll also have to check the chats to see if anyone online has questions,” Abdi said. “It’s definitely doable, but, it will take some time for them to get used to it.”
Baron said there’s a lot of negativity surrounding the idea of a hybrid model and although he understands it, he would feel comfortable inside.
“I couldn’t be more comfortable, but my dad is anxious and I’ve gotten some of that. So, I guess I worry about stuff too much. But, the system we have is going to be fine, but there’s that pessimism about going inside.”
