Dear Readers, 

As school begins just after Labor Day, students will enter the unprecedented territory of a hybrid educational system. This entails a completely different way of learning compared to what we were previously comfortable with. Students from Kindergarten to Eighth grade will meet for the entire day, without the hybrid learning system that the high school student body is expected to adjust to, during this time. All students are expected to wear masks when in the school building. High school students have been divided into two groups, the first group will meet in person in the morning and remote in the afternoon, and the second group vice versa. This will follow a pattern, so that students will get to be in person in the morning on one day and in person in the afternoon on another. If you are not in person, then your class will take place over Zoom. What this aims to accomplish is a decrease in interaction among students and teachers and the possible spread of the Covid-19 virus. 

Not all members of Bronxville High School may be ecstatic about the new system put in place, but these are the necessary precautions given the circumstances. The administration has put in their best efforts to ensure the safety of all students. Note that, due to this year’s complex schedule, changing one’s classes will be a greater challenge as guidance counselors can only fit so many students in classrooms with a finite amount of space. Although students may not be able to interact with their peers and teachers in a conventional way, I believe that students will be given a greater opportunity to speak up with smaller class sizes. Annabelle Krause, class of 2021, wrote, “I’m really excited to be back in the building and I hope that my peers and I get to participate in some of the BHS traditions.” Krause is not alone. Other seniors have mentioned their anticipation for the first day of school and hope that the events they were looking forward to (homecoming, Halloween, the school play and fall playoffs) will not be tarnished by these circumstances. According to Principal Meyer, who has mentioned guidelines in emails and over Zoom meetings, the school has not only divided the students into groups, but the hallways as well. Staircases will be used for traveling either up or down a level, never both. Students will not be permitted to use the water fountains. It is recommended that one bring his or her own water bottle to school everyday. Bathrooms have restrictions as well. Only one person will be allowed in the restroom at all times and each will be labeled for usage permitted to either the high school, middle school or elementary school (depending on location). 

Dr. Montesano, school superintendent, recently announced that students will be virtual for the entire first week of school that will consist of half days. School will start at nine and end just past noon. Freshmen will be required to attend transition meetings with their senior leaders. Unlike past years, Freshmen are assigned to only one senior in order to limit interaction and give more attention to the freshmen as entering high school is already a time of grave uncertainty, despite one’s experience coupled with the added pressures of a global pandemic. 

This time period is filled with immense uncertainty, and there is no clear answer as to whether school will return to its normal state. Many believe that this will be our educational experience for an extensive amount of time. But, it doesn’t have to be. The school is willing to make accommodations as they see progress in the fight against the Covid-19 virus. So, I leave you with this: If you are eager to receive an education that resembles what we used to possess, please do your part by wearing a mask, keeping proper distance, and staying at home when necessary. 

Sincerely, 

Your Friends at The Echo