By KATIE TIAN and ANDY LIU
During the stay at home order of the COVID-19 pandemic, students and teachers at Jericho High School adapted to their new learning environment utilizing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Canvas to provide instruction for their students.
Some teachers have found that online learning does not result in the same level of effectiveness as in-person education would. English teacher Ms. Hederian said, “What distance learning does, unfortunately, is put pressure on the student to seek out the education they would normally get more easily because their teacher is right there.”
Junior Ariel K. feels that online learning detracts from the overall educational experience. She said, “I think working and interacting with our peers in person is a huge portion of the learning experience, and online learning lacks all of that.”
Some students have also pointed out the benefits that result from distance learning. “You don’t have to sit through class all day and hand in work, so you have more free time to just relax,” freshman Jenna T. said.
Students use the Canvas calendar to keep track of their upcoming assignments and online lessons.
In late March, high school co-principal David Cohen sent an email to the student body explaining the grading policy that would be instituted for the 3rd quarter. In it, he explained that he wanted students to be “focused on their learning” and not “experiencing stress over how distance learning may impact their grades.” He added, “The high school and middle school will be providing pass/fail grades in all classes for the 3rd quarter.”
However, this policy was soon changed when many expressed their concerns that students who had put effort into their grades would not be recognized for their achievements. As the extended third quarter came to an end, some teachers sent out emails explaining that students would receive their individual numerical scores with bonus points added for their completion of assignments during the lockdown.
Shortly after, the fourth quarter grading policy was also disclosed. Students who completed all of their assignments would be awarded a P+, which would result in their overall averages being brought up by one grading increment. Students who completed more than 65% of their classwork would receive a P, which would have no impact on their overall average, and students who failed to complete 65% of their classwork would receive a NC, or no credit, which would result in their overall averages being brought down by one grading increment.
Math teacher Ms. Harsche expressed her approval of the grading policy. She said, “I think that having a pass/fail system really takes the pressure off of students. They don’t have to be perfect. They don’t have to earn an A+, but they should just be doing the best that they can during these times that we are faced with now.”
Teachers provide instructions for their students through a group Zoom call where students are able to ask questions and discuss the week’s assignments.
During these challenging times, many teachers have emphasized the importance of putting students’ wellbeing before grading or academic matters. Science teacher Ms. Unger said, “There’s so much uncertainty. I find that some of us may be doing fine, and other people are dealing with completely different situations where maybe some of their family members are sick, or neighbors, or anything of that sort, so I want to make sure I’m as flexible as possible.”
English teacher Ms. Valenza agrees that it is important to recognize and prioritize students’ needs. “How important is school? How important is my little assignment? It’s meaningful, but it’s not as important as your families and your health,” she said.
The school has currently implemented Wellness Days that take place every other Friday, during which students are excused from completing work and are required only to check in with their teachers. This gives time for students to relax and catch up on any work they may have missed during the week. Physical education teacher Ms. Dunn said, “I think a Wellness Day every once in a while is good. I think maybe we should incorporate a little bit more into all of our activites.”
Students and staff are grateful for the school administration’s support in making this transition as smooth as possible. Ms. Hederian said, “As difficult as it has been to not be in the actual brick and mortar classroom and try to navigate this new way, I think everybody’s flexibility has been helpful.”