LHS Transitions Back to Full In-Person Learning
With the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine over the past few months, schools around the country have begun fully in-person learning. In Lexington, elementary schools opened on April 5th, and the middle schools followed on the 26th. Lexington High School will begin fully in-person learning on May 17th.
Susan Kaftan, a LHS school nurse, emphasized the importance of in-person learning and the effort to open schools back up.
“It is important for everyone's mental and physical health. Human contact is fundamental and we all do better when we can be together,” Kaftan said.
Mahi Mirchandani, a hybrid learning freshman student, said that in-person learning brings important social benefits. Students also mentioned that in-person learning helps them stay more focused and on-task.
“Full in person learning will definitely benefit me because I will have the opportunity to talk to more people and regain the social aspect of school. Being around more people helps me perform better,” Mirchandani said.
Though most agree that in-person learning offers a unique set of benefits, many are still divided on whether it is safe or not.
Elissa Fan, an 8th grader, said, “I don’t think having full in person for everyone is completely safe right now because kids can't get vaccinated yet and people don’t always follow the guidelines.”
To ease concerns, Nurse Kaftan outlined the steps LHS has taken in order to ensure the safety of students and staff members.
Some key steps include:
Spit testing now offered from K to 5th grade and has been offered to the Middle School and High School staff and students since this fall
Hand sanitizer throughout buildings
Mask wearing at all times
Nurses continuously staying abreast of the latest state and national recommendations, research and science regarding Covid-19
Contact tracing when a individual who has tested positive is identified
Social distancing maintained
Whether LHS goes back this spring or in the fall, Kaftan encouraged students to stay positive.
"We miss you and can hardly wait to have you back at the high school,” Kaftan said.
Elissa Fan : 8th grader, hybrid
How do you feel about going full in person at the end of this month? Do you think it's a good/safe decision + why?
It’ll probably be beneficial to my learning but I don’t think having full in person for everyone is completely safe right now because kids can't get vaccinated yet and people don’t always follow the guidelines. Cases are also going up right now.
Do you think going full in person will benefit your learning?
Yes, but the process probably shouldn’t be rushed.
Have you liked remote or in person weeks more?
Both have pros and cons. In person, I’m more focused but remote I have more freedom with assignments
Mahi Mirchandani : 9th grader, hybrid
How would you feel about going full in person this year? Do you think it's a good/safe decision, and why?
I would like to go full in person because I miss the social aspect of school that used to motivate me in previous years. I think it will be pretty safe because of the vaccine and the double masking policy.
Do you think being full in person will benefit your learning? Pros/cons?
Full in person learning will definitely benefit me because I will have to opportunity to talk to more people and regain the social aspect of school. Being around more people helps me perform better.
Have you liked remote or in-person weeks more?
I have liked in person weeks more because no one really talks to each other on zoom, but when we’re in person we at least make a little conversation and don’t just sit there silently.
Susan Kaftan: LHS Nurse
The elementary schools have already gone back and the middle schools are planning to later this month - what precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of this process?
Many steps have been taken to keep students and staff safe. These include:
1. Desks spaced appropriately
2. Nurses provide education to staff, family and students on an ongoing basis
3. Spit testing is now offered from K to 5th grade and has been offered to the Middle School and High School staff and students since this fall
4. Hand sanitizer throughout buildings
5. Mask wearing at all times
6. Handwashing time set aside
7. Lunches outdoors when possible
8. Made hallways one direction when possible
9. Nurses are continuously stay abreast of the latest state and national recommendations, research and science regarding Covid-19
10. Staff and families continue to complete the Symptoms Checker each day
11. Each day nurses monitor school absence and respond appropriately.
12. Contact trace when a individual who has tested positive is identified
13. Nurses provide education to staff/students/families regarding the Covid virus, isolation, quarantine and other health information
14. Nursing consultants with and participate in multiple district committees focused on the LPS response to the pandemic
15. Social distancing maintained
16. The district has offered in-person hybrid and remote learning since the start of the school year
17. Nursing consults with the Lexington Board of Health daily
18. Nursing has written reference manuals for staff and families and routinely update them as information and recommendations change
When do you think the high school will be able to go fully in person? How have vaccinations been playing a role in this decision?
This will be a decision made by Dr. Hackett in consultation with the Lexington Board of Health and the LPS Nurse Supervisor, Karen Rufo. The Department of Secondary and Elementary Education will provide 2-week notice when they have determined the appropriate time to resume full time in-person learning on the high school level.
In your opinion, why is it important for students to be in person?
It is important for everyone's mental and physical health. Human contact is fundamental and we all do better when we can be together.
Do you have any final words of support for students?
We miss you and can hardly wait to have you back at the high school!
by VIVIAN WANG