When students returned to in-person school, a system was created to keep everyone safe. This included seating charts, QR codes in addition to a school ID and a mask mandate. But as the school year comes to an end and more people are getting vaccinated, some are wondering if school will look the same next year.

Some think next year will be more like school was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m expecting a lot more pre-pandemic school but with masks still being mandatory,” CJ Johnson (10, HSU) said.

Kristin Gaydos, parent of Kaelin Gaydos (9, J&C), agrees. 

“There will still be masks, social distancing and some protocols, but hopefully they will be less rigid than this year.  We will see how the summer goes,” Gaydos said.

Some students, like Meredith Snyder, (10, J&C), think that the increasing number of people who can get the vaccine might be a factor as to how school will be next year.

“I think that because it was announced this week that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be approved for ages 12 and older, that this summer most middle and high schoolers will be fully vaccinated,” Snyder said.

But her biggest concern was the number of days that students would be able to go back next year.

“Hopefully we can go back to school safely without having A and B days and be in class five days a week because I think that myself and others learn a lot better that way,” she said. “I think that masks may still be mandated in school if the vaccine isn’t widely available by mid-Aug. for students, but I wouldn’t mind wearing a mask to keep people safe because I really do love being back in the classroom.”

Some parents are concerned that things won’t get better over the summer. Melissa Pascua, parent of Sophia Pascua (12, YPAS), thinks that “it [next school year] may be the same as it is now.” Because of this concern, parents also worry about the quality of learning that their children are receiving.

Ashley Williams, parent of Mia Sellers (11, HSU), was disappointed with this year and believes students should return to five days a week next school year.

“Virtual learning was bad enough. Going back in person only two days per week has decreased actual instruction even more. I feel like this year has been an absolute waste of learning for my child,” Williams said.