By Stephanie Caron – Editor-In-Chief 

As a new year at Jonathan Law High School starts, new policies and COVID-19 safety precautions are set to keep students safe. 

With students and teachers going back to school after almost six month of being home and online learning, the Law community is welcoming back students and facilities with open arms. As members of the Law community continue to get adjusted with the new safety regulations, teachers and students are starting to get back into their normal routines. 

“I think we have made a lot of adjustments as the (first) week went on,” Law principal Mr. Thompson said. “I am grateful to everyone for their flexibility and patience and we adjust to make our school the best it can be for everyone. The feedback from nearly everyone was that it is great to see everyone back and we want to keep moving forward.”

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for not only the students, but for everyone at Law, has been the top priority to ensure everyone is kept healthy. Masks are mandatory for everyone, social distancing guidelines must be followed, and sanitizing stations are located in every room.

Some students have chosen to be full-time distance learners.

Math teacher Mrs. Francisco is focusing on the positives and is excited to embrace these changes.

“Everything happens for a reason. Maybe these new guidelines will push a student to develop a new app, another student to discover how much they could achieve on their own, or bring about different ‘normals’ that turn out better for both students and staff,” Francisco said. “Just because something has ‘always been done that way’ doesn’t mean there is not a better way it can be done.” 

This year, all students get to leave during their last period study, or sleep in and come in later during their first period study. Previously, this was a privilege that seniors have only had. 

In addition to students being able to leave school early or come in late, the regular dismissal time of 1:58 p.m. is now at 12:20 p.m.

“I’m most excited about reuniting with everybody, but especially being able to learn in an actual school environment,” sophomore Macie Rascoll said. “It feels great to be learning face to face rather than through a screen.” 

Furthermore, teachers are trying to adjust to going mostly paper-less. Learning new ways to keep students engaged and involved within the classroom. 

“As a teacher, this year is challenging me to be more creative in how I deliver lessons,” Francisco said. “I need to think outside the box of worksheets, group work, and around the room activities and focus on how to keep my students engaged in learning with lecture and technology. Are there things that I could complain about? Of course, but what good would that do? I am trying to accept the changes and create something better.” 

Given the un-traditional school year, students and teachers are adjusting to life back at Law. 

“I’m excited to get back to having a schedule and seeing my friends on a daily basis,” senior Catherine Bedell said.