March 30, 2020: the hopeful date it was thought that Liberty High would return to school normally as students finish up the last quarter of the year. Little did we know it would be almost a year later before we expect to return in a way never imagined before.
Week after week, new information is being released regarding restrictions within Contra Costa County. It’s hard to have a complete understanding of what this return will look like, however, Liberty High is eager to get students on campus while taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. In a recent document posted to the Liberty website home page, it explains how the county must remain in the “red tier” for a total of two consecutive weeks. After the completion of this, Liberty is prepared to welcome students in groups onto the campus to participate in a hybrid-learning schedule.
It’s hard to comprehend the logistics behind this return, but implementing the hybrid-learning schedule will ensure a safer return. Students will be split into two different groups, most likely by their den number. Group one will attend school for two days of the week completing an A and B day while group two is at home checking in with teachers via Zoom for those two days. After that A and B day are complete, the groups will then switch, and group two will attend school for an A and B day while group one works from home. However, distance learning from home is going to look a little different when a hybrid-learning schedule is put into place. Instead of being on Zoom for hour-long classes, students will check in with their teacher the first ten minutes of each class and receive further instruction via Zoom or given assignments to be worked on through the same platform used all year known as Canvas. For in person learning, safety guidelines are to be followed to prevent the spread.
Ensuring a safe return is Liberty’s number one priority which is why the safety guidelines are very familiar to what have been incorporated into our everyday lives. Face masks will be required to be worn by every student and masks will always be available. There will be markers on the floor indicating direction, which will guide students in specific pathways to avoid crossing paths with many students. Within the classrooms, there is an abundance of hand sanitizer along with plexiglass between each desk and a built in ventilation system that will distribute fresh air throughout the room. If symptoms develop within the school day, isolation rooms are available to be sent to, in an effort to put an immediate stop to further exposure. School days will end at 12:45 for in person learning and lunch will be provided after school for students to take home.
Liberty senior, Keanna Shipley, shares “I am nervous for what the return will look like but I know that when we go back, Liberty will have our safety as their first priority. ” Liberty’s district, administration team, and students are looking forward to the high hopes of returning back to campus as soon as it is safe enough. Despite the excessive hand washing throughout the day and urging parents to do a daily wellness check on their kids for symptoms, coming back to campus is exciting and safe as we adapt to our new normal. Further information regarding all things Covid-19 and Liberty High School can be found on the main website.
Cover photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.
About the writer:
Summer Farage is the 2020-2021 Co-Editor for The Lion's Roar. You can learn more information about her by clicking here.
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