By: Jordan Hasty, Staff Writer
During these current unprecedented times, several changes to the typical school agenda have been made. Many aspects of day-to-day student/teacher life have also been drastically affected; school is now held strictly online, workouts are socially distanced, and the bell schedule has been modified.
In regards to the 2020-2021 school year, the administrators expect challenges, but hopes are high that both staff and students can use this as a positive learning experience.
Administrators have also had to tackle obstacles such as Material distribution day, which required massive coordination due to the absence of Library Media Technician, Ms. Schroeder. Luckily, with the staff’s comprehensive effort, distribution day ran smoothly and all issues were resolved. Vice Principal, Lindsay Schlax stated: “Mr. Gomez worked very hard to get the master schedule made,” emphasizing the commitment embedded in this event alone. Following material distribution, staff offered a second round material(s) drop-off/pick-up + school ID photo held outside, in the Mills student parking area, on August 26-28 and September 2-4. This served as a great opportunity for students to gather any old, unneeded books to return, as well as pick up missing items they needed. Regardless of the circumstances, faculty aims to put forth consistent effort in hopes of making this school year as easily adjustable as possible for students.
On Wednesday, September 9th, flex time was now deemed optional. While students are not required to attend, they are given more liberty to meet with their teacher at that time or during office hours, which serves to benefit many. Furthermore, Wednesday’s bell schedule has been slightly adjusted, allowing students a 10 minute passing period, rather than 5, to gather materials and prepare for the next class. According to Vice Principal, Lindsay Schlax, “There will be no further schedule changes though the board may [possibly] vote Wednesday’s as asynchronous.” Ultimately, determining Wednesday’s scheduling as asynchronous or synchronous is not ruled by Mills administration, and the decision will be up to the SMUHSD board, affecting every school within the district. The following day, the Governing Board finalized the current status of distance education – for all instruction to be held virtually for the remainder of the semester (through December).
Moving forward, administrators are working towards opening up Mills’ campus for students who need a different working environment than their homes. Students will be socially distanced and strictly monitored in small pods. The sole purpose is to provide students whose at home surroundings interfere with their education with an alternative, productive environment to learn effectively. While these are taking place, staff intends on maintaining proper safety measures to ensure the safety of all parties. “The pods are only outdoors because the health of those around you is number one” Schlax said, further strengthening the importance of responsibility and safety in these times. The initial start date for the workshops was said to be Monday, September 14th, but due to the critical air conditions the date has been pushed to the following Monday, the 21st. If interested in attending the learning pods, please visit https://www.smuhsd.org/millshigh for more information.
Campus is also now open to athletes to participate in workouts, while remaining six feet apart. Once cleared, each athlete will receive an email from Mr. Keller, containing the time and location in which conditioning will be held.
Through the current challenging times, staff members are implementing their best efforts to ensure the safety, health, and overall prosperity of students. Mills High School is also offering several services to those who may require it during this time, including: tech support, college help, homework programs, flex time, hotspots, and chromebooks. Many of these can be found on the website or have been sent in an email with information to students. Health, happiness, and education of students are valued at Mills and will continue to be shown through the conscious efforts of Mills Administration.
