NHS students share thoughts on the upcoming school year

Editor's Note: Covid-19 has made an impact on almost everyone in the Left Hand Valley, with the announcement of a new online learning schedule at Niwot High School.

Students at Niwot are scheduled to complete all of their schoolwork online. This remote learning schedule will tentatively begin on August 18th and last until the end of September. While many are unsure of what the rest of the school year is going to look like, various students are not only worried about the quality of their education, but also how their sports careers and extracurricular activities are going to be impacted.

Jordyn Stewart, an incoming junior at Niwot High said, "I would much rather be in the classroom full time, face to face with my teachers rather than on a screen."

She also shared concerns about the quality of her learning experience during arguably her most important year of high school. "I am also more of an interactive learner and being online is definitely going to take away from how much I learn," she said.

Stewart is very concerned for her brother, an incoming NHS freshman, from the Dawson School. Jordyn is worried that he won't be able to adjust as well or meet others with the online learning schedule.

Another student, Joaquin Herrera, an incoming senior, expressed similar concerns as Jordyn, sharing that online learning is difficult for him, especially since at times his WiFi crashes and he isn't able to complete his school work. He explained that he also finds it more difficult to ask questions and interact with his teachers online, which overall affects his educational experience.

Herrera and many other students are also concerned that their social lives are going to be impacted. With students completing all of their work remotely, they won't be able to collaborate with friends which may impact students' overall happiness and motivation in school.

Although individual educational experience is their main priority, many are also worried about how COVID is going to affect their extracurricular activities and sports. Students like Joaquin, who are fully committed to school sports, are having a difficult time as their activities have been, and will continue to be, altered. He said he is unsure of how his cross country season is going to play out, as all of his summer races have already been cancelled.

Athletes who are hoping to play sports in college are facing even greater challenges. As the recruitment process takes place in high school, without races or games, it will be difficult for athletes to exhibit their skills. Joaquin added that with cross country, "Recruiting is a huge deal because if people didn't run that great last season due to injuries, they aren't going to have a chance to prove they are ready to run competitively in college."

Another large concern for students is not only about their health, but their families' health as well. Multiple students said they have loved ones at home who are at greater risk if they catch the virus. Aris Wertin, an upcoming NHS junior said, "My dad has multiple risk factors and I am concerned for his health." The new online learning schedule is beneficial for individuals who were debating whether or not to attend school, based on health concerns.

There is always light in every situation. Although online learning will be an adjustment, some individuals seem to prefer the remote learning model, and enjoy the flexibility that the schedule provides.

Editor's note: an earlier version of this article appeared in the Aug. 5, 2020 print edition.