While students are learning online, essential personnel are still going to school, making sure students have everything they need, and meeting with them in person, if necessary. Administration, teachers, and janitorial staff are keeping our school running, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
The Mills administration is dedicated to facilitating students’ online learning experience as much as possible. They go to school everyday, keep the website updated, monitor students’ attendance, and meet any other needs. Principal Duszynski reflected on her change of duties: “The most significant difference is that in order to connect with teachers and students I have to visit them in Zoom classes, but I do this as much as possible. My day doesn’t feel right if I don’t get into a class.” Despite not having students on campus, Ms. Duszynski still works in her office and virtually visits different zoom meetings. Ms. Tipton, who helps parents and students coming into the front office said, “since the pandemic now, I only see about 20-25 teachers and staff per day.” The number of people the office staff work with has been greatly lowered since the pandemic, while temperature checks, social distancing, and masks have been added. The administration solves problems that might arise from a new method of schooling, such as technology issues or too much screen time.
Despite being allowed to teach from home, some teachers teach at school for better WiFi, a quieter atmosphere, and access to materials such as lab equipment. Mr. Keller, a history teacher, commented, “I see about a dozen teachers, but I don’t really talk to more than four or five in a day”. Teachers stay within their own classrooms, wear masks, and social distance once they step out of their rooms. With such few people on campus, it might be a challenge to teach while alone in an empty classroom. However, with less people on campus, teachers are able to build a tighter knit community. As a chemistry teacher for over twenty years, Mr. Paul notes the change of interaction amongst teachers, stating, “There are very few people here at Mills to interact with, but I find myself more sociable with them than back when school was in full session.” By having less people, teachers are able to expand their social circles past usual limitations. Through the dedication of these teachers, students can learn in an efficient and comfortable environment.
A vital part of school staff that is not widely acknowledged is janitorial staff, or the facilities team. They keep the school clean and sterilized, helping those on site stay safe. Assistant Principal Ms. Schlax explained, “Facilities folks are disinfecting restrooms, door handles, railings, and more every hour, overseeing construction on the football field, and making repairs to parts of campus that are in need.” Students can be assured that when they go back to in-person learning, it will be a safe and enjoyable environment to learn. The facilities crew are not often seen around campus, but work constantly to maintain the cleanliness of Mills.
The Thunderbolt would like to thank the administration, teachers, faculty members, and crew at school who are working diligently to keep students and staff safe, aiding their online learning experience. Without your help, distance learning and visiting campus would not run as smoothly as it does now. Vikings, remember to thank Mills’s frontline workers for working tirelessly, whether it be through an email or a smile the next time you see them.
