By MaKalie Farmer
The rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus, (Coronavirus), has school canceled until possibly the next school year, raising concerns and questions amongst the class of 2022 about their future.
“I think it’s unnecessary,” sophomore Brazos Lewis said. “The media is turning it into something that it isn’t and the school system is responding to it in a way that harms students’ education and experience.”
To help cut back on exposure to bacteria and germs and allow students to stay safe at home, AISD officials announced an indefinite closure on Wednesday, March 18. In a four-part executive order issued on Thursday, March 19, Texas Governor Greg Abbott closed schools until April 3, limited gatherings to no more than ten people at one time, closed dining rooms in bars and restaurants, and shut down visitation at nursing home and care facilities.
“It puts a toll on all students’ education,” Lewis said. “Online classes, that aren’t required, are significantly less effective than that of a teacher.”
AISD is checking out chromebooks to high school students and establishing an online platform so students can continue to learn from the safety of their homes. However, grades are not being taken from these online assignments. UIL authorities have suspended all UIL academic and athletic events until further notice.
“Athletics is one of the biggest things that’s suffering,” Jayton Stuckey said. “With school being cancelled, we can’t get gametime or hold tryouts for next year’s teams.”
Several extracurricular activities have been cancelled or postponed due to this outbreak including sports tryouts, drill team and cheer tryouts, band, choir, and orchestra concerts, and several UIL events. We do not know yet if or when these events will be rescheduled.
“This will severely affect our scores on any AP test,” Lewis said. “Since our education and preparation was cut short I feel we will be at a disadvantage.”
Sophomores who are taking AP World History will mostly likely be able to take the test online as well. Until then, lessons and textbook pages will be sent through Remind by Ms.Snow. This is only if school does not open again this year.
