Hello everyone! Before I get started on this blog, I would like to say that we will get through this crisis together! As you all may know, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been causing panic around the world, but we can slow the spread of the virus!
Here are some things we must do to keep ourselves and everyone around us healthy!
- Wash your hands for 20 – 30 seconds
- Practice social distancing (6 ft. distance)
- Only go out if necessary
- Do not touch your face
- Cough into your elbow
Distance Learning
Since schools around New Jersey and across the nation have been closing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, distance learning has become the “norm.”
As a high school student, distance learning has its pros and cons. The pros is being able to still learn and not stretch out the school year into July/August. However, the cons are that it has brought quite a strain to my eyes — staring at a computer screen for hours is not fun.
Despite complaining about how the school system has to be run now, I enjoy being able to stay at home (maybe it’s because I’m sort of like a homebody…)
What are School Districts Doing?
All School Districts are doing the best they can to keep all students safe while continuing to teach them. Most, if not all, have similar procedures. For Bayonne High School, the BBOED has an online learning system through Google Classroom.
All students must “sign-in” to their homerooms by 9:30 AM and to all of their classes between a time frame of 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
The amount of work given differs from teacher to teacher. However, all work that is given must be turned in by the end of the day. The teachers will be online to answer any questions and have to check-in at least two times (11:30 AM and 1:30 PM).
Impact on Art Students?
While all everyone is negatively impacted by this pandemic, the art students are one of the groups of students who are impacted the most.
For Bayonne, our Drama program is forced to post-pone our upcoming production, Matilda, and cancel all rehearsals until school opens again.
Furthermore, BHS canceled two trips to see Sleuth and Six the Musical. All the art students are hoping that we will be able to see these shows when we come back!
Inspirations
All is not lost for art students! When this pandemic is over, imagine the condition everyone will be in to perform — dancers and performers will be well rested and energized to perform a show that will be crisp and sharp!
One of the most inspiring actions that I have seen online and all over the news are people donating to organizations to help those in need.
Other inspirations I have seen include people creatively creating workout challenges or art challenges to pass the time while being productive!
Virtually Creative
Being at home can make you try things you never thought you would do. One can be drawing, dancing, singing, or even cooking/baking!
Some of the creative ways to stay safe while having fun are:
- Window Tennis
- Makeshift cruise
- Yoga with your family/pets
- Board games
- Virtual gaming
Once again, everyone, please stay safe during this crisis! We will get through this together and meet each other once everything has calmed down!
