Aseel Rafat
News Section Editor
During this global health crisis, Newton Public Schools and many other school districts have opted to educate our youth through virtual and individual learning. Through occasional zooms and weekly learning plans, Newton teachers have been able to communicate with their students and provide them with both optional and required opportunities.
Newton South has also made a change to the grading policy in which Term 3 was extended until the end of the school year and will be deemed as pass or fail on students’ transcripts. Final letter grades will be composed of Term 1 and Term 2 as well as Term 3 if it is beneficial to the student. A student could also choose to have their final letter grade be a pass or fail as well.
In light of this puzzling time in our school year, Newton South students have spoken out about their process in dealing with “online school” as well as being isolated in the midst of a pandemic.
Sophomore Franki Toro shares that “it has been a big adjustment and really hard to not be able to see my friends on a daily basis. I like having time for myself and being able to relax, but I wish I could hang out and not be so distanced from my friends. But my advice is that right now, as hard as it is, we need to make the best of the situation since it’s out of our hands. This is a great opportunity to work on hobbies, find new interests, and learn new things about yourself.”
Although the learning plans and zooms are appealing to some people, there are mixed feelings. Sophomore Isabella Ianzillo expressed that “I do like being able to sleep in and do work on my own time at home. However, I don’t like the online classes because I feel like I work better in a classroom where I can get the help I need at any time.”
Junior Shahar Ezrach also shares these sentiments: “I don’t mind the new learning system, however I do think that the work being given to us is being blown out of proportion as many others, including myself, spend abnormal amounts of hours doing homework that takes all day.”
Teachers are also adjusting to these uncertain times and have shared many resources to benefit the learning of their students. We commend them for their consistent efforts and determination. Many students want to express their gratitude including Junior Ruthie Levy who shared that “I appreciate having office hours and being able to ask my teachers questions.”
As we continue to transition and work through these unprecedented circumstances, remember that Newton South is an amazing community and we will get through this together.
