'First day' of school at Eastern for 6th graders full of joy, anxiety
By Dermott Foley
By Dermott Foley
It was a mad scramble to get everything ready after so many months lazing around at home. Digging through drawers to find pants that are not flannel PJs. Charging up the trusty Chromebook. Trying to decide whether bringing old-fashioned pen and paper was worth the weight. Dumping out the trash in backpacks still preserved from March 13, 2020 when Montgomery Public Schools shut down due to the coronavirus.
And let’s not forget the masks! Stuff a couple extra in the bag, and we’re all ready to go!
Eastern Middle School’s 6th graders were the first students to return to the building this year, and on April 8 they burst through the doors with many mixed emotions. There was excitement and joy about meeting their classmates and teachers for the first time in person. Optimism for the future. Nervousness about everything from social distancing in the dystopian space full of one-way and other virus safety signs, to how in the world they were going to read the maps of the building and not get lost.
There was sadness, too -- about all the missed life experiences such as science projects, school sports, band, club activities, parties, and simple high-fives, as well as all the family, friends and community members we’ve lost during the pandemic.
The moment was full of symbolism as the United States begins to return to a new normal with millions of adults now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Some seventh graders, and eighth graders will return by April 19. In total about 35 percent of Eastern’s students have selected hybrid or partial in-person, while the rest are remaining fully virtual until the end of the school year.
Here are some thoughts from two 6th grade students who were part of the first to group to return on Thursday morning:
Going back to school last week was incredible! It was so amazing to see many of my friends, teachers, and classmates in person. The Covid precautions were very safe (even if it did mean I had to walk around the whole building to get a drink). Though I wasn't used to not being in PJs all day, it was definitely worth it to see people live! Being in a school building after so long felt a little strange, but it was fun to eat lunch outside. I loved going back to school and I hope everyone else feels the same!!
--Nayantara Iyer
In-person school was a lot different than it used to be. We were all masked and socially distanced, but there was one thing that was different. We got to eat lunch outside, which was very fun! Even when it was wet outside we were allowed to eat outside. Another upside to school this week was that we were there with a small, small amount of 7th and 8th graders, so the halls weren't filled, making it a bit easier to find our classes.
--Sonora Greer
And let’s not forget the masks! Stuff a couple extra in the bag, and we’re all ready to go!
Eastern Middle School’s 6th graders were the first students to return to the building this year, and on April 8 they burst through the doors with many mixed emotions. There was excitement and joy about meeting their classmates and teachers for the first time in person. Optimism for the future. Nervousness about everything from social distancing in the dystopian space full of one-way and other virus safety signs, to how in the world they were going to read the maps of the building and not get lost.
There was sadness, too -- about all the missed life experiences such as science projects, school sports, band, club activities, parties, and simple high-fives, as well as all the family, friends and community members we’ve lost during the pandemic.
The moment was full of symbolism as the United States begins to return to a new normal with millions of adults now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Some seventh graders, and eighth graders will return by April 19. In total about 35 percent of Eastern’s students have selected hybrid or partial in-person, while the rest are remaining fully virtual until the end of the school year.
Here are some thoughts from two 6th grade students who were part of the first to group to return on Thursday morning:
Going back to school last week was incredible! It was so amazing to see many of my friends, teachers, and classmates in person. The Covid precautions were very safe (even if it did mean I had to walk around the whole building to get a drink). Though I wasn't used to not being in PJs all day, it was definitely worth it to see people live! Being in a school building after so long felt a little strange, but it was fun to eat lunch outside. I loved going back to school and I hope everyone else feels the same!!
--Nayantara Iyer
In-person school was a lot different than it used to be. We were all masked and socially distanced, but there was one thing that was different. We got to eat lunch outside, which was very fun! Even when it was wet outside we were allowed to eat outside. Another upside to school this week was that we were there with a small, small amount of 7th and 8th graders, so the halls weren't filled, making it a bit easier to find our classes.
--Sonora Greer