LAUSD has announced a plan to return to schools after one year of distance learning. What are your thoughts about this? Do you and your family want you to return? How do you think this news will impact you and the rest of the Locke High community?

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LAUSD has announced a plan to return to schools after one year of distance learning. What are your thoughts about this? Do you and your family want you to return? How do you think this news will impact you and the rest of the Locke High community?

3/10/2021

46 Comments

Oscar Alfaro

3/10/2021 09:08:44 am

In all honesty i have mixed emotions about the decisions many are deciding to make wether going back to school or staying in online school. I mean i would like the idea of going back to school yet i dont want to risk my chances of getting covid and bringing covid home with me to spread. Despite that i would like to go also because online school its to much at this point. Its extra work and harder to learn due to many distractions. In conclusion id like to go back to school yet im afraid i might get covid and spread it to loved ones.

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 09:36:25 am

Oscar,

Thank you for your honest response. My goal is to make the work load in regard to your learning manageable and impactful. Your statement about distractions at home is a very real phenomenon for teachers and students alike.

I hope Green Dot Public Schools and its teacher's union AMU can come to an agreement that allows for all school stakeholders to have choices about the service of education with in person, hybrid or distance options for all to choose from. This is the best way to keep people safe,

Alan Magana

3/10/2021 09:12:54 am

In my opinion ,schools shouldnt be allowed to return in person . only because corona is still around and theres a high risk someone will pass it around . This news will affect us locke community by having us think were allowed back , but we arent because we are not lausd district .

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 09:40:46 am

Alan,

I agree with you that schools should not return in person until it is relatively safe to do so in regards to this disease. I agree some confusion will be in and around the Locke community due to our unique relationship with LAUSD. Ultimately, we will be impacted by decisions that LAUSD and its teachers make due to our location and relationship with the district and our physical school site and the boundaries in which it resides.

Our ability to return won't be the same as mentioned in this story but will be influenced by this news for sure!

Denise

3/10/2021 09:26:26 am

My thoughts about that are mixed. I do want t o go back because I prefer to be in school physically but I don't want to go back because I like being home.Well I feel like some lock student families would not like for their children to go back, but some need their children to go back because they have to work and nobody to take care of them.I just think it's a very hard decision and mixed answers.

Mr, Lawson

3/10/2021 09:46:30 am

Denise,

I too have mixed thoughts about this news. I too want to go back because I think learning in person maximizes one's capacity to learn. Also as a coach of athletics I would love the opportunity to see Locke Saints on the soccer field again.

Ultimately, I have the same issues to contend with about fears about my children going back to school, their schedule being drastically different to manage working as a teacher in a different district and fears of getting loved ones sick.

It does appear options are emerging. After one year, I am hopeful and encouraged we can make this all work because we have to.

b.v

3/10/2021 09:41:10 am

To be honest in my opinion I think we should not go back to school because even though everyone is supposed to return to school with the shot so we don't get it there is still a chance for us since corona does spread and someone in that school could possibly have it and not know. Going back to school in person would honestly make things a lot easier for everyone who struggles to do school online because doing school at home online I feel like honestly makes you get more lazy and also because we don't learn much at home on a screen, so at the same time I think they should wait on allowing us to return to school in person.

Katherine Juarez P2

3/10/2021 10:43:45 am

I feel like the reopening of schools is too soon. There are still high numbers of the corona virus infections in California. Personally, I don't feel safe going back to school knowing that many kids have not taken the virus and quarantine seriously. Overall, I think this news is going to be very controversial. To the kids that have been struggling to learn during distance learning, this news will be positive and a relief. To those whose families have been affected by the virus, this news will be scary.

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 11:14:03 am

Katherine,

I agree with your assertion about opening too soon here in Los Angeles County. The standards for reopening have yet to be met as set by the state and county. Recent political pressure from both the nation's capitol and more local stakeholders are pushing this decision.

The relief that reopening would cause is a good thing. It has been a struggle to teach similar to the struggles of learning online. Returning back to school with positive elements of online learning will be beneficial for all. It just should not be done without safety being the highest priority to assuage the fears of students, educators, and their families. .

Destiny Angel

3/10/2021 10:43:46 am

Personally I am happy on the thought of going back to school and learning in person and playing sports. Yes, my family agrees that I should go back to school in person. i feel like this news will be good for some family's of Locke and others won't be so happy, because there is still a virus but I think most people will take it for good news.

Andy Lopez P2

3/10/2021 10:47:22 am

I would be relieved if we could finally go to school once again. However, I do know that it still a danger to do that, but vaccines are around the corner... It is the true middle point. It would be good so students finally can have a normal education, going to school in person with the teachers being there and not behind a screen saying "Do the PDF" and muting themselves for the rest of the class. But also it is a danger to do because it is not secure yet, and things like creating another spread is not a good idea. Personally, I'm fine with both scenarios. Is fun to play here in my house when I finish the work early and the class hasn't finished. But if we go back also is fine. The only thing is, "Is it secure?".

Vicente Gladin

3/10/2021 10:48:37 am

I think its a bad decision just because I feel like its too risky. I don't want to go and get sick, I don't even want to risk it. Although I do want to go back so that I can play football I still feel like we should wait until we are safer because I don't want the virus to spread any further. I think most other students feel the same way I do.

Jorge Espana

3/10/2021 10:51:53 am

my thoughts on this are a bit concerned about opening this early. My family does want me to return, but not I'm not convinced as they are. I honestly don't believe Locke high school can even provide to bring the material to use for safety to the students. This will effect the community if we open because like I said Locke may not have the material to help the students and if it doesn't go well students and staff members can get sick

Kaleb Sims

3/10/2021 10:52:58 am

I want to come back to school to play football and run track however for me i don't think a year of sports is worth giving my family covid because my dad and grandmother has a lot of health issues. this puts me at a crossroads because i dont want to put my life on hold nor do i want to be the cause of my family members getting sick.

Monserrat Castorena P.2

3/10/2021 10:54:17 am

I have mixed feelings about going back to in-person learning. While I prefer in-person learning to online learning because I get more work done and have less distractions, I don´t think that I´ll be able to handle anything other than the online schedule for the classes. I just prefer the online schedule. There´s also my worry of getting COVID. There is no insurance that COVID won´t be spread despite precautions.

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 11:17:50 am

Monserrat,

The point you make about distractions is a valid one. There exist too many distractions for all stakeholders when in a remote learning environment.

I too prefer the online schedule and would like to see aspects of it to ab applied to options for in person and/or hybrid learning. Indeed, no insurances exist about stopping the spread of COVID-19 but we must move toward workable solutions that mitigate against risk. It is important that we begin to thrive in the environment we find ourselves in.

Timothy Rendon

3/10/2021 10:56:11 am

Personally, I been wanting to go back because its easy to get distracted while at home and through these computers you really cant get the help you need while however at school the teacher will come right to you explaining it in person rather then giving short replies in the chat. My family also agrees on this you get more things done while at school since you dont have a way to be distracted due to the teacher redirecting your focus from whatever it is that you are doing.

Daniel Per.3

3/10/2021 11:50:34 am

I agree with you because this way is the only way how we don't attract COVID19 into our respiratory system and get sick or probably even worse pass on. We have to stay safe during this time, so that we can get focus on school. Even though, we will have a less interactive classroom, we still have to abide by the rules of the government.

Ily Rodriguez P2

3/10/2021 10:57:28 am

in my in opinion going back to school will help me stay on task and also help me learn easier but i want to stay home because to be safe from the virus. I think the community would have to think carefully on returning to school because this can have an impact to others.

Erlin Vasquez

3/10/2021 10:58:13 am

To be honest my opinion is I think we need to go back to school because distance learning isn't working at all, my family thinks the same, I think the news will impact other people because some people are not yet ready to go back to school because they are afraid of being infected of Covid.

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 11:27:00 am

Erlin,

You are so right about the need to return back to in person learning as the model for distance learning is failing students at the moment. As a teacher and father of school aged children I understand this deeply. The past year has exhibited large amounts of evidence supporting this fact.

Ultimately, your point about the fears surrounding COVID-19 will give people understandable pause about returning. How people are going to be kept safe is fundamentally key upon if and when people will return.

Jose per 3

3/10/2021 11:47:50 am

If students return It should be optional, I believe it is a good thing that schools are reopening though regardless of the numbers to help from the negative effects of pandemic and finding a safer way for all students to come back safely>

Bryan Quintana link

3/10/2021 11:52:23 am

i have mix feelings about this because i wanna go back and learn in person instead but also its to soon and risky to go back.

Jaqueline Torres per.3

3/10/2021 11:58:31 am

In my opinion, we need to come back to school because distance learning is affecting at us as students. Distance learning have advantages but it is causing more depression and bad vibes on students. Personally, I want to come back at school because is difficult to get focus during classes at home. On the other hand, I think this news will impact students in a good way because they need go to school and socialize like before.

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 12:28:13 pm

Jacqueline,

You and I share the same opinion in regards to distance learning having a negative affect on some students. Mental health and its decline during this pandemic are real things that are not fully recognized and dealt with at this moment. I would also add this is not limited to students but to the adults who serve them in education as well.

Whereas, you are willing to come back to school due to factors of distractions at home other students may have reservations due to health concerns.

Socialization in particular is important for our mental health. Historically school has been a place where positive socialization can occur while building academic skills. I hope we can begin to leverage what works in a distance environment in that regard to help improve the "bad vibes" that you mention.

Do you have any ideas on how schools or teachers can help ward off these bad vibes?

Ashley Erazo P3

3/10/2021 12:01:48 pm

In my opinion I don't think schools should reopen because we still have covid cases going around and I feel like we're putting students and their families at risk of getting covid. I feel like it's best to return when we know the cases have gone down and it's a bit more safe. My family and I believe it is not safe for me to return but then there are parents that prefer their children to go back because they have jobs and it's easier for them. I think this news will bring many mixed emotions and have parents think in what's best for their kids

Mr. Lawson

3/10/2021 12:19:35 pm

Ashley,

I agree with you COVID cases still need a significant drop to ensure students, teachers, and other school staff are kept safe and limit the risk to their families. I think parents, students, and educators should have clear opportunities to voice their comfort level in regards to virus case rates and return to school.

School has always been a way to lighten the load of managing a household while having to work. I am struggling on the day to day in that regard. To that end, I too have mixed emotions about what this news means for us in the area.

LAUSD is 2nd largest school district in the country. Our needs here are going to be different than others who live in areas that are not as local. Hopefully, for our specific context at Locke a workable solution presents itself soon.

Jasmine Flores (Per.5)

3/11/2021 09:06:15 am

In my opinion, I think we should not go back to school because there is still a virus going around it's just starting to go away because of the vaccines. Everyone does not have the chance to get the vaccine so why risk students lives because others want to return back to school. I don't like doing school from home either but I'd rather be safe then sorry because I don't want to get sick and end up getting my family members sick. My family thinks we should return back to school until the next school year because we want to give time for the vaccines to do it's job and for everyone to get the vaccine to keep all of us safe. If LAUSD schools return back to school then it's most likely that our school Locke with return back also.

Santana, Bryan / P.5

3/11/2021 09:08:01 am

I'm glad that schools in LAUSD are finally going to reopen and if only it wasn't for the fact that my parents don't want me to return then i'd be more excited. My mother has underlying conditions and my father is a smoker so untill they're both fully vaccinated i'll respect their worries and be hestitant to go back. I believe that other students in a position similar to mine are probably facing the same conflictions but i'm happy for those who will finally be able to bask in the full benefits of in person learning.

Cassidy Lopez P5

3/11/2021 09:08:31 am

I personally wouldn't want to go back to school because of the nervousness ill be caring around. Being in high school I know for a fact that if we go back and have to wear mask, not everyone is going to follow those rules. Some students are still not responsible enough to have on masks or stay within 6 feet from others during school. So If I go back I will definitely be scared I will get Covid.

Benjamin ordono P.5

3/11/2021 09:09:18 am

Well my thoughts about going back to school and having it re-open is that we really shouldn't but if the district wants to open then students shouldn't be force to go back. Well I don't want myself to return and my family is the same way we all say no. Well how will this impact me is by still saying no and not wanting to go back but for the locke community I believe that will try to get kids to come back.

De'Arriona Mills

3/11/2021 09:09:26 am

In all honesty, I would love to go back to a classroom setting and to be back on a campus. I think it'll be so much better than this virtual learning. But the reality is that I'm also kinda of scared because Covid-19 is still around and just the idea of going back to school and being around people again is frightening. My mom is all for the students being able to go back on campus, because she says the students really aren't learning through the distance learning program.

Isaac Romero P5

3/11/2021 09:09:51 am

We shouldn't go back because the virus is still spreading and it isn't 100% save. Also I don't see the point in going for a couple of weeks when we are already used to zoom.

Melvin Mateo (Per.5)

3/11/2021 09:24:37 am

I think it's a good thing that's happening but I still believe that it's still risky for us to back to school. I always hear from a friend that is going to in-person learning and she says there's either 5 to 7 cases reported each day. They have safely precautions and still get cases. So I think it's still to soon to go back to school.

Maria Alicia :D p.6

3/11/2021 10:35:23 am

I'm in between about us returning back to school but I'm still on the 'no' side. Corona is still around so its too risky for us to go back since we'll be putting ourselves (the students), the staff and our family in danger once we go back home and i don't want that :(

Arnell Golden

3/11/2021 10:41:28 am

I agree, students and staff are to be vaccinated before attending school appropriately (time-wise). The vaccine is already here, can we wait a few more months, it wouldn't hurt.. right?

Daniel Nuno p7

3/11/2021 11:58:05 am

yea thats true, a few more months of online classes wouldnt hurt but students are eager to go back already and i know i am, as long as they stay safe and use the right precautions then going back now wouldnt be bad.

Arnell Golden P6

3/11/2021 10:37:39 am

Note, most teachers have not been vaccinated, students as well. I think it would be best if students go back when school hallways are 100% safe and when staff are vaccinated. People interested in sports can participate at games, however, I think being inside a classroom is not yet safe. Although classrooms may have better ventilation, keeping away from another tier would be a lot stressful. I do think the plan may carry out successful as well, if taken seriously. I hope all goes well for students attending in-person learning.

Arnell Golden P6

3/11/2021 10:39:22 am

(Edited) Note, most teachers have not been vaccinated, students as well. I think it would be best if students go back when school hallways are 100% safe and when staff are vaccinated. People interested in sports can participate at games, however, I think being inside a classroom is not yet safe. Although classrooms may have better ventilation, keeping away from another tier would be a lot relieving. I do think the plan may carry out successful as well, if taken seriously. I hope all goes well for students attending in-person learning.

Diego Rios

3/11/2021 10:43:01 am

Going back to school safely would be a hopeful plan and especially starting sports back up once again. I also think every student is joyful to hear these things. However, I think it wouldn't be fair for the 9th graders to start going to school first because they still have 3 years left of school and on the other hand Seniors only have this last year left.

Denisse Garcia P.6

3/11/2021 10:50:28 am

The announcement regarding in-person schooling was kinda sudden. In maybe less than a month many will have to decide if they want to return back or not. One possible contribution to this could be the rapid distribution of the vaccine. Elder and adults are much more capable of handling the virus in case of an infection but regarding Locke and its location; it is knowledgeable that many of the latino and black community still have controversy over the vaccine. Personally, my family does not believe in the vaccine, at least not yet. As someone who is tired of online learning, I would love to return but I believe the district should give people more time to acknowledge the efficiency of the vaccine in order for everyone to be more protected.

Mr. Lawson

3/11/2021 11:59:17 am

Denisse,

Big Facts!!! Very well articulated, I think messaging to parents and students needs to be clear to allow people the time necessary to make decisions and prepare. I think most of us are feeling he strain of online learning and a return to school would be welcomed.

The assertion you made about the vaccine resonated with me the most because of its central role in us returning soon. I agree many need more time to build trust and observe the efficacy of the vaccine to make informed decisions for their context.

Daniel Nuno p7

3/11/2021 11:54:10 am

in my opinion, i feel like we need to go back to school with the right precautions. i want to go back to school not only because i want to get out of the house but to be more engaged in my school work. i feel like this is the fist step of getting back to how things were before covid. as long as the school and students take the right precautions in and out of class, everything should be back to normal in no time.

Maria Figueroa p7

3/11/2021 11:58:45 am

i honestly have mixed emotions i want to say no but then yes . Some students like myself cant really learn through a screen because we've been taught face to face . Although i may want to go back i want it to be safe and not rushed into because that can lead to more cases for covid

David Esquives

3/11/2021 11:59:05 am

In my opinion the news about schools reopening shouldnt be a good idea just because of how many cases are still happening. If cases get high meanwhile we are at school theres a chance cases will increase even more. To me i believe that any school around the city shouldnt open up yet until the cases become so low that its safe enough to the point where we dont need masks no more. Once we can manage to that point then i believe the news of schools reopening will be a good idea. Yes there are students that say they learn better in person than online but it would be safer trying to adapt at online learning at home then in person.

Ruben De Orta P.7

3/11/2021 12:02:01 pm

in my opinion we would and wouldnt like to go back to school, the first reason on wanting to go back is because distance learning isnt for everyone and even though it may be online it is still stressfull and it gets to you, its also a good way to socialize. The reason we wouldnt go back would be theres still a chance that someone might get the virus and spread it all around. This news may confuse some as covid is still spreading with no signs of stopping, going back to school is a risk in my fulll honest opinion

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The Author

Greetings, beautiful people!!! My name is Mr. Lawson and I am a veteran educator with over 16 years of experience within the classroom. Twelve years of my service has been at the historic Alain Leroy Locke High School in Los Angeles.

I seek to learn and be the best I possibly can be. I am inspired by my family, friends, and students. Daily, I gain personal wisdom toward making a better world every day. I am Strong, Healthy, and Wise because I stand on the shoulders of Giants!

Stay Powerful, Hungry, and Driven. #PHD

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