Safe But Different: Moorestown Students Speak On Return To School
MOORESTOWN, NJ — Students at Moorestown High School were more concerned for their safety than usual as they returned to school on Sept. 8 for the first time since March amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But after about a week of school, students are feeling safe, a student council representative told the Moorestown Board of Education Tuesday night.
“Everyone’s wearing their mask, everyone’s following social distancing,” Moorestown High School senior Matthew Romano said during Tuesday night’s board meeting. “It’s a safe environment.”
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Romano said things are constantly being cleaned, and classes are more structured than they were in the spring, when the school was thrust into a remote-learning environment seemingly out of nowhere.
“There are some issues, but as everyone adjusts, things should run smoother,” said Romano, one of three student representatives who spoke during the meeting.
Colin DiPasquale, a sophomore at the high school, said the environment is different.
“Only half the class is there in-person, and it’s part-time,” DiPasquale said. “I think the cons might outweigh the pros.”
Things are different for sophomore Avani Giri, as well. Moorestown High School’s a cappella group the Madrigals are meeting via Zoom.
“We’re still trying to figure out how to do choir over Zoom,” said Giri, who added that their teacher is looking into the possibility of meeting outside while wearing masks and following social distancing measures.
Practices began for sports this week, and players are wearing masks when they aren’t playing.
“They’re adjusting well, and things will get easier with time,” Giri said.
All three students were members of student council last year. Giri served on council for two years, and Romano has been on council each year he’s been in high school.
Elections for this year’s council are next week. Once the council is elected, Romano is hoping they can do some of their normal activities, such as food drives and spirit week, that will help normalize the school year.
See more stories about New Jersey's coronavirus recovery.
This article originally appeared on the Moorestown Patch
