The world went into a panic in March about the effects of COVID-19 and what people expect in the future. Students in all Edmond schools were asked to follow guidelines from the district such as sitting two to a table, remaining six feet apart from people at all times, and wearing a mask. This year, Edmond North’s schedule and guidelines were impacted by COVID-19. The district decided to split students into two groups, A and B. Students have much smaller class sizes and try to remain socially distanced throughout the school day. What about the freshman?

    Incoming freshmen come to the North where nothing is normal. There are no lockers, students are split from half of the other schools, and you cannot see your friends’ faces every day as we have in the past years. With COVID-19 being passed around quickly, some kids are more worried than others, such as ones doing the virtual schooling option instead of the A/B blended schedule.

      “I would take more precautions with sports and clubs and keeping people distanced,” said Olivia Gothard, a freshman in group B.

      Students can all agree that this year has been challenging with all the new changes. But, while trying to keep school as normal as possible, keeping sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities more socially distanced could very well prevent more cases of COVID-19. Whether you’re fully virtual or on the A and B schedule,  it seems like people enjoy working at their own pace from the comfort of their own home. Many students have pointed out that online school makes students much less anxious, and they are not as rushed to turn in work. 

    “I like it better than going to school every day and having to rush everything to get done,” said Corynn Craig, a freshman in group A. 

      Freshmen were thrilled last year to hear about the dances and events our school hosted before COVID-19 hit Oklahoma. Now, they don’t get to experience a formal dance through North until we’re in a better situation. While dances are great, they would get out of hand very quickly. Even if it is just one person getting too close to another, large groups of people in a small area, such as a cafeteria or gym, would be a breeding ground for germs that could lead to an outbreak. Staying safe is the number one priority for staff at Edmond North, and hosting school dances would put hundreds of students at risk.

      With clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities, social distancing is needed at school – even if it’s at a football game, the cafeteria, or just your everyday classes. Remaining 6 feet apart, wearing your mask, and especially remembering that everyone is in the same situation is a great reminder. Even if people are experiencing a freshman year no one has experienced before, we remain hopeful and excited for the rest of the year. 

       “I’m excited to take classes I haven’t gotten to take before and I’m hoping we can make it through the rest of 2020 and this pandemic,” said a freshman in group B.

      With tension from all aspects of our school, remaining positive may seem impossible but think about the good aside from the bad. There are changes for every grade and every student because of the coronavirus that we can all relate to, and we’re looking forward to when everyone finally sees the end of 2020’s bad vibes so students and faculty can get a sense of normalcy at school.

     While some have complained about coming back to school as a whole and others have only complained about lunches, what everyone can agree on is that the two people at a lunch table rule is probably the most annoying. Parents grew concerned when school began to reopen as it could potentially put hundreds at risk of COVID-19. Kids enjoyed sleeping in for six months, and many have been shocked at having to dive headfirst into school. The Edmond North staff has taken many cautions and has prepared for an outbreak event. If it is in place to keep us and our families safe, we should follow them to the best of our ability.