By ZAARA MALIK
Being in a hate-love relationship with school is how many students describe their feelings since the start of remote and hybrid learning.
It is no secret that Jericho High School is a highly competitive academic environment, but during COVID, one cost of academic excellence is academic burnout. Jericho High School psychologist Dr. Goldstein said, “Academic burnout is defined as a reaction one can have to the prolonged academic environment and intensity of studying and academic work.”
Senior Alexia K. said, “Since the pandemic started and the shift to hybrid/online learning was made, my motivation to do work has decreased. Even doing the bare minimum makes me exhausted.”
But it’s not just students who are noticing themselves drifting further away from their normal attitude towards school work. Teachers have also observed the shift in motivation from their students. “Sometimes I look at my students and they seem really tired and really run-down. They’ve been up for a while, probably for several nights in a row,” said math teacher Dr. DeMarinis.
Teachers work diligently to help reduce academic stress in students. Living Environment teacher Ms. Lumi said, “I try to get a handle on the other courses my students are taking, and I try to be flexible with due dates and scheduling of tests. I really listen to my students, and I pay attention to anybody showing signs of being unable to handle any work that is due in my class.”
One contributing factor to academic burnout is the drastic increase of screen time for students due to virtual learning. Assistant Principal Dr. Artiles said, “Students are spending up to 9 or 10 hours a day on a screen. They go to school from 8:59 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and then they have to complete 3 to 4 additional hours of homework.”
To decrease the amount of screen time for students, the administration has initiated the WellNest Day program. WellNest Days are designed for students and staff to relax and unwind through mindfulness and wellness activities that replace regularly scheduled classes. Dr. Artiles said, “Hopefully as we start to put more WellNest Days together, students will have more time off the screen, and it will help with their stresses.”
Sophomore Sophia K. said, “I think the WellNest day is a good way to let students destress and actually take time for themselves, especially since there are a lot of exams and work going on which makes it hard to let yourself breathe and take time for yourself.”
In addition to WellNest Days, the administration has introduced Nest periods during which students meet with a guidance counselor, English teacher, or administrator to help build classroom community and connect with one another. Sophomore Zara Q. said, “The Nest period is a nice break. It helps break up the school day.”
While many feel these programs are a good start, Dr. Artiles is not fully satisfied yet. He said, “WellNest Days and Nest periods have been helpful, but we definitely have more work to do.”