Covid-19 obviously played a massive role in our everyday lives, but some may underestimate the impact it had within our schools. Whether it was on zoom, allowing only half the school on one day and the other half the next, and wearing masks throughout the entire school day–school looked different last year.

Mrs. Gerald teaches the PLTW classes and used a number of websites to attempt to make it simple and smooth for not only herself, but her students. She was also very positive and passionate about how well and successful her students were last year. There were obviously some hardships throughout the year as well.

“Using Google Classroom was very easy,” said Gerald. “Getting students to engage and be serious about their time management [wasn’t].”

Not being in a classroom was a major challenge for students, adding a whole lot more responsibility on the student’s side. Michael Smith stayed online for the entire year, pushing him to be more responsible for his academic efforts.

“I’d say it was being able to stay focused, because you’re not in a school environment,” said Smith. “Having access to the internet and being able to look up something I was unsure of.”

There were also some positives that occurred from the different and unique year students were faced. Being that about half the year was completely remote in Brunswick County, students were able to use the online resources in a helpful and positive way.

Although the year was new and challenging, most students and staff attempted new approaches to teaching and learning. Through the use of various apps and websites, teachers were able to teach their students the material and sometimes revitalize their curriculum for the better.

“The year was an overall success, the students passed their exam,” said Gerald.