This school year has had many challenging difficulties. Whether it’s the lack of communication with teachers or double the amount of stress upon students, there needs to be change. The switch to hybrid learning at 50% capacity starting Feb. 22 is the solution we need.

According to the 2020-2021 Safe Learning Plan, many health precautions will be taken during Hybrid learning. Some of these include face coverings worn at all times and meal times taken in classes. These precautions will help students return to school safely.

Many students have had difficulties staying in contact with their teachers. Whether it’s on a 30- person zoom call or through email, everything needs to be scheduled. However, once hybrid begins, students will have a chance to directly communicate with their teachers and receive whatever help they need without stressing over an unreplied email.

Getting direct help from teachers can serve as a gateway for those who have been struggling. Most of my teachers give us lectures during synchronous time and reading guides to complete during asynchronous. There was a time when I had difficulties completing my reading guide in (class) because I didn’t fully understand the lecture. However, I could not ask for the entire lecture to be repeated just for me, which put unnecessary stress on me to complete the reading guide. In-person learning would have given me a chance to personally ask for guidance on my work and avoid all of the confusion.

The social isolation of the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many students. By reopening school, we can value the social and emotional well beings of students while still following COVID-19 guidelines.

Contrary to popular belief, many studies find that schools play a small role in COVID-19 transmission. While maintaining healthy environments, and preparing for when someone gets sick, schools are lowering the risks for students and staff.

Reopening school will positively impact the students’ academic performance and mental health. At the end of the day, everyone has a choice on whether or not they’d like to attend Hybrid, so going back to school isn’t mandatory.