After a tough year, Washington County Public Schools principal, students reflect

CLEAR SPRING — With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, Washington County Public Schools ended the 2021-22 school year Tuesday on a satisfying and positive note, students and staff reported.

The school year was held in-person and mask-wearing was optional for students and staff, unlike the previous two years that saw challenges such as virtual learning, masks and the end of some traditional activities.

"It was a great school year," Clear Spring High School Principal Tim Eskridge said. "We started the year with some restrictions, but things returned to normal with events you would normally expect to see in school."

At the start of the school year, masks had been mandated by the Maryland State Board of Education in all school buildings across the state in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

While drawing the ire of some parent groups who opposed mask-wearing, local school systems like Washington County Public Schools had no choice but to follow the state order.

But the Maryland State Board of Education in late February voted to make masking optional in schools, and the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review affirmed the vote.

The Washington County Board of Education then lifted its mask mandate, leaving the decision to wear a mask up to students and teachers.

"It's nice to see smiles back on the kid's faces," said Eskridge, who finished up his third year as principal at Clear Spring, and in the fall will become the new principal at Smithsburg High School. "It's definitely nice to see."

Students certainly had smiles on their faces Tuesday.

"It was a very good year," said Emerson Moats, 15, who finished up the 10th grade Tuesday. "Without masks, it was definitely better."

Emerson said she is looking forward to starting her junior year this fall.

"I'm nervous, because I heard it's the hardest year," she said. "But I'm very excited."

Emerson will spend her summer working and playing travel volleyball.

Hayden Muir, 17, who finished up the 11th grade, said this school year was far better than the last two years.

"It was great," he said. "It was a good year."

Hayden said he was happy to be back to in-school learning.

"It's easier to interact with teachers, and it made learning a lot more fun," he said. "Learning was a lot more relaxed. You didn't have the stress with having to work harder through a screen."

Now onto his senior year.

"I am pretty excited to see what next year has to offer," Hayden said.

Hayden plans to attend school half day, and work the rest of the day.

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Sherry Greenfield is the Education Reporter, covering Washington County Public Schools and the Washington County Board of Education. 

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Clear Spring High students, staff celebrate last day of school year