Going forward
October 18, 2022
After a month and a half of implementation, Paddock said she believes the new precautions have been beneficial for both staff and students.
“It’s been going really well. I’ve been pleased, for the most part, with how students have really leaned into it. I know adults are seeing some improvements and are happier with how the hallways look,” Paddock said. “(By) having one entrance and exit during student contact hours when students should be in class, (we’re) able to just monitor better with a few tweaks to what we were supposed to be doing.”
As the school year progresses, Smith said maintaining these rules throughout the year and staying consistent will bring more success.
“The biggest thing as far as staff (is having) the same consistency year round. Let’s not implement this plan in August and push it for August, September and then get lazy come November, December. If we had this energy at the start of the year, let’s keep that energy for the entire school year,” Smith said. “That’s the best way to make sure that we’re keeping everyone safe.”
For Gutz, communication on the effects of these policies is important for students to know.
“(Administration needs to start) being more clear on why they’re putting these into place. It’s been a month of school, if they’re just more transparent (about) how this actually helped. If it hasn’t been, what are they doing to fix it, or are they just going to keep it?” Gutz said.
As Park transitions away from COVID-19 procedures, Meyer said this shift is another step towards a once again connected community.
“After COVID-(19), we are all getting used to being in a building together again and working together and being in the same space. We had a lot of growing pains with that. This year, it seems (as) teachers (and) admin, we’re trying to be all on the same page so we can all work together because it’s a collective job to keep the building secure,” Meyer said. “It’s trying to be in the halls more, greeting students, being available, being near the doors, doing supervision. That’s all a positive change.”