HIGHLANDER SUCCESS McLean has done an admirable job at structuring in-person learning, given the circumstances MACKENZIE CHEN ONLINE OPINIONS EDITOR & COPY EDITOR
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wo years ago, schools across America looked much different than they do today. From the socially distanced lunches to the fact that a majority of the student body is still at home, it is safe to say that McLean has changed. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the McLean administration has worked hard to ensure that students still get the best high school experience possible. In order to ensure a successful and safe return to school, the administration had to reevaluate a lot of the familiar aspects of school. While things may not be ideal, the adminstration has done a fantastic job at planning the logistics, and this effort should be recognized. One of the biggest hurdles McLean has had to overcome is the structure of lunch. With the ongoing pandemic, the McLean administration had to make some severe, yet effective, restrictions so that students could still socially distance during their break. “This year, we got rid of the long tables. To maintain [social distancing], we have to keep everybody facing one way,” Principal Ellen Reilly said. “The reason we did that is because it helps us get more people into the cafeteria. We can fit about 180 [people] in there.” In addition, they implemented a procedure for students to follow whenever they go to the cafeteria or any other spot for lunch. In case contact tracing is necessary, students use their phones to scan QR codes at each lunch table or other area. To help students whose families may be struggling financially during the pandemic, McLean, like other FCPS schools, offers free “grab and go” lunches. “We have tables out in front of the cafeteria, and [students] can just grab a lunch out from a bag,” Reilly said. “Every kid will get a lunch if they want it, and there’s no charge for anything.” 38 | OPINIONS | APRIL 2021
McLean’s administration has done all they can to protect students during their class periods. Students are required to wear masks and remain three feet apart from each other in the classroom. Stairways are now labeled as “up” and “down” staircases. Each classroom is equipped with surface cleaner, paper towels and hand sanitizer. McLean has excelled in keeping students safe while still making high school an enjoyable experience for them. Their efforts are evident in the low number of positive COVID-19 classes at McLean since students returned in March. However, some students have misgivings about inperson learning in general. Some critics have pointed out that McLean has not adequately communicated necessary information to students that would keep them safe in the school. But given the uncertainty of the pandemic and the reliance on local and state regulations, it was difficult for the administration to have all of this information ahead of time. Prior to the retun to school, the McLean administration published a back-to-school video that thoroughly discussed all of the safety procedures students would need to follow in order to be safe. Since the start of the pandemic, McLean has done nothing but try to stay engaged and connected with students. From making educational videos about staying safe in school to keeping
students informed on Google Classroom, social media and other platforms, McLean has done its best to relay information despite uncertainty. McLean’s administration has constantly listened to students’ feedback by giving surveys and working with groups like the Committee on Raising Student Voices, and it is evident that they’ve been receptive to suggestions through changes such as the implementation of Highlander Time pods, which addressed student concerns about how the period was structured. The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for most schools across the world, including McLean, but McLean has not let the virus prevent students from having an enjoyable high school experience. Despite the setbacks, McLean is slowly inching its way towards its former self.
Cartoon by Cameron Tebo | Page design by Ariana Elahi
