Article Written by: Namya A.
Cover Design by: Nitya G.
The world continues to struggle with the pandemic, but let’s take a look at the impacts that the new variant has made specifically in the U.S.
A powerful surge of Omicron cases hit the U.S. during the week of the holidays which has impacted most families in the U.S.. One of the areas where it has made a major impact is on schools. Schools have been affected in a variety of ways: some switching to remote, others shutting down, and the rest struggling to keep them open as the number of student absences increases. Not only the academic stress from piling assignments and the upcoming midyear exams, but also mental stress and health concerns are taking a toll over the students. The question that everyone is asking today is what to do with schools?
Many states have thought about closing schools due to the number of students falling sick and spreading the virus. However, shutting down schools raises concerns about falling behind on the curriculum. Going remote is another option that is on the table. However, as Alex Marrero, Denver's superintendent, mentioned, “What we do in person cannot be replaced.” Also, many students do not have the things at home that are needed to participate in remote learning.
While falling behind is becoming a huge concern and effect of Omicron, it is most certainly not the only one. Staff shortages are one of the major challenges for in-person learning as of now. Students aren’t the only ones who are being infected with covid, but so are teachers and without them there won’t be any teaching done and without any teaching, the students will fall behind, looping back to the first concern.
This pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. It’s time we come together and help find solutions to problems that we are all going through, starting with schools. Let's take a step which is suitable and beneficial for each and every one of the students!
Sources:
Image Source: