By Maire Crooks, News Editor
December 15th was the first of six additional monthly half days from the HCPSS Board of Education to aid students’ and teachers’ mental health. With the cancellation of events due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, students spent their added free time in a variety of unexpected ways, including virtual clubs, relaxation and homework.
Most used their day to catch up on “homework,” as Vaishnavi Vaijaeepay (10) explains. Annika Przyżycki (10) did homework as well. “I had three government assignments and needed to study for a German and chemistry quiz.” Annika spent a total of about 3-4 hours working because she “wasn’t very focused.” The bonus 3-hour early dismissal was a welcome break to get back up to speed on all of their assignments.
Others were overwhelmed with the amount of work and tests they were given and chose to use their time in other ways. When asked about her plans prior to December 15th, Elizabeth Fu (11) remarked that she intended to “cry” because of all the stress she was under with an immense amount of schoolwork and tests coming up before the long-awaited winter break.
Annika chose to spend two hours doing something she enjoyed to decompress, she said, “I played the Sims,” a popular video game. A multitude of students mentioned that they slept to recharge as well.
“I have a track meet,” states Thomas Jayne, a sophomore at River Hill. Unfortunately the track meet and other extracurricular activities have since been suspended until January 15th due to the rising number of COVID cases; students were left with even more free time than they originally expected on their extra half-day.
Other events, such as the Cross Country Banquet, Winter Orchestra Concert and Best Buddies Cookie Decorating event were moved to a virtual google meet following HCPSS guidelines to avoid unnecessary in-person interactions, giving back valuable time to work on homework and relax on Wednesday.
With Wednesday’s events being moved to online, ChaeWon Cheon (10) explains, “I [had] more time at home to prepare for my interview.” She had an interview scheduled after school with an expert for an assignment for her Independent Research class. However, she also conveyed that she was “sad [the cross country celebration] was virtual.” “I wish it was in-person, but I understand because of the rising number of COVID cases. Overall I think it [was] still… a great experience.”
Many are devastated about the news of cancellations, but agreed that they enjoyed their half-day and welcomed the, albeit short, break.