Feelings have been mixed at Stone Bridge, after the School Board voted for a near-100% distance learning model over the summer, as everyone struggles to adjust to their new environment. 

Teachers and students have expressed their frustrations with the new distance learning model and how it was implemented, with teachers especially displeased with the new grading policy.

“I feel like I’m already behind because I can’t even participate and engage in class properly,” senior Sabrina Vargas said. 

LCPS continued their plans to move from Google Classroom to Schoology, leading many students to face unprecedented challenges adapting to a new program during the first few weeks of school. However, these issues haven’t stopped some from trying to be optimistic.

“It also feels weird to be using Schoology and have a different type of A/B schedule,” senior Emma Cravens said. “But I do think I will get more used to it as the year goes on.” 

Students are not the only ones adjusting to the new changes this year. Many teachers and staff are also learning how to navigate their virtual classrooms. 

“Distance learning is going to be a challenge this year since it’s new to everyone,” English teacher Kevin Winsheimer said. “The biggest disappointment is not being able to see everyone face-to-face.”

In the face of these unique challenges, teachers have been working hard to provide the most intuitive and helpful virtual classrooms they can for their students. Providing the best online experience for so many students, however, has its shortcomings.

“Communicating and having meetings through Google Meet or some other platform is less than ideal,” Director of school counseling Tim Lucas said. “Not being able to talk to parents, teachers, and students in person continues to be very difficult and trying.”

Not all reception to the new learning environment has been negative. In fact, many students and teachers are excited about the future of schooling this year and the new additions that come with it.

“One positive, I would say, is the learning lab. It’s nice to have my own time in classes to manage my schoolwork,” Cravens said.

Despite the difficulties students and teachers have been facing in this new environment, the ones interviewed all remarked that although classes and school work are a lot to take in now, the future seems bright. 

“Distance learning hasn’t been all that bad so far,” Vargas said. “But that could change, for better or for worse. We’ll have to see.”