Anika Grenney
Grade 4, Parley’s Park Elementary School
Learning Type: In person
Q1: What’s been the most challenging part of this year and why?
A: The most challenging part is not being able to see all of your friends and classmates. We are in school but you can only eat lunch and have recess with your own classmates (there are four 4th grade classes at Parley’s).
It’s been a challenge because we are used to seeing ALL of our friends and I miss being able to hang out with my other friends from other classes.
Q2: If you could resolve the challenge you just mentioned, what would that look like? How would you go about fixing it?
A: Maybe each week you would be assigned to a new group with kids from other classes and you would stay in a certain area and stay with that groupo for two weeks. Then you could cycle through to another group. You could see some of your usual friends and make some new ones.
Q3: Though this year has come with many challenges and changes, what stands out as a bright spot?
A: We are in-school learning in Park City. We can still travel and see amazing things within the National Parks in our state. Even though we were with only our classmates, I had a lot of friends in my class. The ski resorts were open and I love to ski. I also love the pool in the summer and that was open.
Isabel Rojas
Grade 6, Ecker Hill Middle School
Learning Type: In person
Q1: What’s been the most challenging part of this year and why?
A: Virtual learning was the thing that was the most challenging part of this school year. It changed the way that we learned. Doing online was lonely and boring since I didn’t get to interact with my classmates. Everybody is much happier now that we are back at school but it is harder for everyone to communicate through the masks and plexiglass.
Q2: If you could resolve the challenge you just mentioned, what would that look like? How would you go about fixing it?
A: If I could solve this problem everything would go back to normal. Everything will go back to normal once everyone gets the vaccine and we get Covid under control. Although, I do think some people will stay more cautious, which is fine. Some people will probably still wear masks and be extra sanitary. All I can do for now is be careful, which is a small price to pay if it means things will be normal again.
Q3: Though this year has come with many challenges and changes, what stands out as a bright spot?
A: I will never take school for granted again. Covid has taught me that it is a privilege to be able to come to school, learn, and interact with kids my age. Now I know that there are some kids who don’t go to school at all and that affects their futures. I am grateful that I can go to school, earn good grades, and get into college with the comfort and help of my family, teachers, and friends.
I am very excited that soon I will be able to go out more and not risk my health. My family and I have been planning to go to Disney World for quite a while and have rescheduled about seven times. Once I get there, I will be so happy and grateful. I also can’t wait to have big sleepover parties. Once Covid started, I was not able to do the big sleepover parties I used to do with my friends because it would be too risky. I can not wait to have a big sleepover with my friends and celebrate the end of the pandemic.
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