The plan for integrating a hybrid learning model for Malden Public Schools. Photo from Mayor Gary Christenson's Instagram account.
Nearly one year ago, Malden High School had its last day of in-person school before it closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. At first, we all thought this would last one month, which then extended to three months, then seven months, which leads us to the present day. With the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines just rolling in, the big question comes to mind: when will we be going back to school?
Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo said in a recent email that Malden High has set dates on when students will be able to return to in-person school. Students in grades 9 and 12 (freshmen and seniors) will return first in a hybrid schedule on March 22, while students in grades 10 and 11 (sophomores and juniors) join them shortly afterward on April 5.
Mastrangelo acknowledges the concerns that come with returning back to in-person school, but stresses that “safety is always [the] first priority.” He added that the Malden High faculty and administration have been “working hard to assure that the school will be as safe as possible for the students to return.” Some students may not feel comfortable with going back to in-person learning just yet which is why students are given the option whether or not they want to “stay on the distance learning platform,” or proceed with the hybrid model.
Like many teachers, Mastrangelo looks forward to “seeing the kids,” adding that “it will also be great to see the entire staff back in one place.”
Biology teacher Jessica Webber stated that “[she is] hesitant about students going back to in-person learning.” She explained that she wanted “to be in school with [her] students,” however, she is “worried about going back too quickly amidst the pandemic.” Webber expressed that she knows “in-person [learning would be] best for students […] but [she worries] that there will be increased transmission in schools.”
For Webber, being that she is a Biology teacher, her biggest challenge while returning to the building would be “labs,” as she explained that “it will be hard to maneuver students into the classroom safely.”
Sophomore Saura Rathore hoped that students would have the opportunity to return to in-person school at some point during the 2020-2021 school year because she feels as if a large “majority of the students [would] agree that distance learning seems to be too much of a burden.” Rathore agreed that if we do fully return to in-school learning, there should be precautions that everyone should follow.
We will continue to cover this topic as students will be entering the school soon. Are you going back to in-person school? If so what are your thoughts on proceeding with a hybrid learning model?
This was a great and well-thought-out article! In my opinion, I don’t think we should go back simply because this is extremely unnecessary. We should wait until all the teachers have vaccines and even then there’s a risk. If I was just thinking about myself I would 100% absolutely go back. But there are others I have to think of, and others I want to keep safe.
I’m so excited to return back to school! What are your thoughts on freshmen and seniors going back to school first?
Nathan Dean
I plan to go in person once the time comes, though it might be risky I think it would be good for me to experience a bit of my Freshman year in person.
I think that Mr. Masterangelo prioritizing all of the safety precautions makes me more comfortable about going to hybrid learning.
Good information and quotes. I also like the picture that was added because I feel like it adds even more information to the article.
I personally do not plan to proceed with the hybrid learning model. However, as the dates of return are nearing, I am interested in the finalized details. Despite the fact that I, myself, will not be returning, I do hope that the necessary essentials (extra masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc) are supplied to teachers, faculty members, students to really ensure that everything is sanitized and safe.
Great article that brings a sense of intrigue. I am looking forward to reading more of the students’ articles covering their own opinion about being back in school.
I think this article was well written and I like how we were able to see different point of views on how everyone felt on going back to school. Good job
As a sophomore, I really don’t feel the need to go back to school since it’s almost the end of the year. However, I really love how you got different perspectives of teachers and students, but I think it would’ve been a better idea if you were to interview other students to get different opinions. The article is very informative and it was helpful to know not only students are going through rough times, but teachers as well.
No, I will not be attending in-person school. My thoughts on the hybrid learning model are that it’s a great opportunity for kids that were failing to get a chance to see their teachers in-person which might help them to improve their grades.