By AARON MARASIA and JULIA PENCHUK
Among the many changes made to school in light of the response to the COVID-19 reopening, many spaces were renovated in order to allow students to eat, study, and unwind safely.
The cafeteria was going to be renovated this summer regardless, however with new COVID-19 guidelines, the school had to modify the plans to accommodate social distancing. Group seating has been replaced with individual tables and chairs.
The Sam Springer Gym has been repurposed as a second cafeteria for use during lunch periods. Individual desks are spaced 6 feet apart from one another. As in the cafeteria, students are required to wear masks when not eating.
This change is difficult for some students who want to socialize with friends. Freshman Cody Y. said, “I mean, at first it was weird not being able to sit next to others, but I got used to it.”
Food service worker Mari Anne described how some students forget to socially distance themselves during lunch, but she said that students “have been very respectful.”
The Sam Springer Gym turned cafeteria, utilizes mobile desks previously used in English classes.
Another location that has been altered to comply with coronavirus guidelines is Café 126. This space is popular with students who want a more close-knit feel, and it is home to school social worker Mr. Velez. The room has been updated with chairs to replace its popular couches, and the snack bowls were modified. Mr. Velez said, “Last year we used to have snacks in a community bowl, but we now have individual packages.”
Despite the limitations due to COVID-19, Café 126 is still a fun hang-out space and relaxing environment for students.
The library’s structure has also been changed to allow students to be farther apart while relaxing and reading. The large tables featured in the middle of the library have been adapted for single-person use, and the computer lab has been shut down. Librarian Ms. Salzberg said, “We have moved the furniture and spaced it out so there is plenty of space in all the seating areas.”
These large tables once featured four chairs for students to work and read with their friends.
It can be hard to adapt to hybrid learning at school, but these socially-distanced locations can make students’ lives a little more stress-free.