Masked Learning

By QI WANG

One crucial part of Jericho’s return to school plan is that all students and faculty are required to wear protective masks at school.

Jericho High School students have felt a little bit of discomfort wearing masks in school. Student Council co-president and senior Jake K. said, “It is a challenge. It’s very hard to wear it all day. It gets uncomfortable and sweaty.”

Yet, he understands why it’s so necessary for all students to follow this policy. “I do it, and I make the best of it because I know that in order to stay in school, that’s what we have to do,” said Jake K.

For some, masks affect the ability to breathe effortlessly. Sophomore Alexia G. came up with a personalized solution. She said, “I was kind of nervous at first because it’s difficult to breathe with a mask on, in my opinion. But, I carry around tiny bottles of essential oils, and I will usually drop some on the mask. This makes it easier to breathe during school when I have to keep it on.”

To provide for students who might face difficulties wearing masks for an entire school day, the school tries to give students specific opportunities for mask breaks. Jericho High School co-principal Dr. Prisinzano said, “Many of our students have adapted. They wear their masks, they don’t even really think about it. Some of our other students find it very difficult to wear a mask most of the day. And we’re trying to provide opportunities for them with mask breaks.”

These breaks include lunch periods when students have the option to use the cafeteria’s courtyard to take off their masks while maintaining a six-foot distance from other students.

Co-principal Mr. Cohen supports new and efficient ways for students to receive mask breaks throughout each school day. He said, “Some of our teachers have taken their students outside for a short stretch and tried to build some mask breaks.”

Junior Adrianna T. hopes that more mask breaks will be possible at Jericho. “I think that students should have the option to take more mask breaks between periods in the courtyard because I find it very difficult to breathe in my mask for 6 hours every day, and I find it hard to pay attention during class with it on,” she said.

Many students feel very drained from wearing a mask for the entirety of the day. Adrianna T. added, “I feel very tired from wearing the mask all day, and it’s hard to do homework because I feel completely drained and have no energy at all.”

Social studies teacher Ms. DiGangi finds it tougher to communicate with students due to the barrier of wearing a mask. She said, “At times, it’s hard to hear the students, and sometimes it’s hard for them to understand me, but we are doing our best. I think the hybrid model is working well, but I miss seeing the smiles on my students’ faces.”

Chemistry teacher Mr. Strout believes that masks act as a barrier for teachers to maintain their students’ total comprehension during class. He said, “I’m a contact-type teacher. I look at students’ faces and move my lesson toward my students’ expressions. And that’s hard to do now.”

Math teacher Mr. Bode finds that masks add a layer of difficulty to getting to know his students. He said, “I find it tougher to communicate since my students are wearing masks, especially when the kids are sitting in front of me in my class and I can’t see their full face.”

Mr. Bode also suggests that both students and teachers project their voices so they can hear each other. He said, “I make sure I project my voice and I make sure everyone can hear me. I’m aware that students might have trouble hearing, so I want to make sure that I spend a little more time pronouncing.”

Junior Sara C. agrees with Mr. Bode about the impacts of masks on learning, in terms of speaking in class. She said, “Masks do not affect my attention, study, or participation in class. It just makes it harder to speak loudly, but that just means I have to project my voice.”

Mr. Cohen has had several opportunities to sit in on classes alongside students. He said, “Sitting with a mask on, behind the desk guard, with your laptop open is a challenge. It’s a challenge to feel like you’re really part of the learning experience the same way you used to be.”

Not all students feel masks impede learning. Freshman Samara M. doesn’t think wearing a mask has affected her education. She said, “To me personally, masks won’t really affect my learning. It’s not too big of a deal to just have something on my face. It doesn’t really bother me that much. I think I can still pay attention in class and learn normally with the mask on.”

However, Samara M. is concerned about the inability to see both her teachers’ and friends’ faces in person. She said, “It’s my first year in high school. So with new students and upperclassmen and stuff, I haven’t seen their full-faces yet. Hopefully next year, or in the coming future, I can see everyone without the mask.”

While there are countless difficulties encountered with mask wearing, Jericho teachers and students are united in adapting to this new norm. Dr. Prisinzano said, “I’ve been really impressed with our students who have done a great job of socially distancing and wearing their masks at all times.”