Rileigh Thomas
This past Saturday, March 14th, students and families as part of the TRSU school district were informed via an email from superintendent Meg Powden that schools would be closed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak, now declared a global pandemic. This decision was made in light of a man being diagnosed with the virus in Ludlow, Vermont. He is reportedly from out of state, but visits the area often. The following day, March 15th, Governor Phil Scott announced that all schools in the state were mandated to close by Wednesday the 18th, until at the earliest April 6th. The state explained that students will continue education online, via sites such as Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, and Zoom. However, each school has flexibility in how exactly this plays out for their students and faculty. The question is, what will the following three weeks look like for Green Mountain students?
Starting Thursday, March 19th, GM students will be expected to follow a modified schedule of their regular school day, with first block beginning at 11:00 am. Each class will take approximately 40 minutes, during which students will engage in a video call over Zoom with their teacher and peers, and view/turn-in assignments via Google Classroom. A and B days will be as regularly scheduled, with A day classes on Wednesday and Friday, B day classes on Monday and Thursday, and Tuesday’s alternating each week. Additionally, the school is offering breakfast and lunch services to any students who are in need.
We here at The Green and Gold understand that during this time of isolation and change in routine, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and frightened. However, no one is alone during this quarantine. It is necessary to remind ourselves of everyone in our lives during this time, whether that be family, friends, colleagues, or teachers, and stay connected despite “social distancing.” For safety, it is important to remain home and limit physical interaction, but that does not end human interaction. Continue to connect with peers online… or get creative! Try writing letters and sending them via “snail mail.” Call a relative you have not spoken to in awhile. Above all, honor your emotions during this time of uncertainty, and share them with your loved ones.
Stay well.
Information on Covid-19 globally and locally:
Mental Health Resources:
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