Herald COVID survey from Jan. 26-28
Herald COVID Survey Jan. 26-28
What is it like being tested?
Cross Thomson junior at North Cross speaks on the testing environment and what it's like getting tested.
North Cross is one of the most precautious schools within Roanoke Valley when it comes to keeping the students safe with COVID-19. All students from kindergarten through twelfth grade are required to get tested about every two/three weeks. This allows each student to be in the safest learning environment to allow proper learning for each student. Thomson says, “We get tested regularly and it feels a bit unnecessary but at the end of the day, it is keeping the students safe and allows us to do in person learning 5 days a week.” Being able to go into school 5 days a week allows for the normal learning for the students at North Cross.
The process of students getting tested takes place in the CAC. In the gym, there are separated tables assigned to different letters of the alphabet. Each student goes to the table that their last name falls into. This process allows for proper social distancing and each person’s safety. “This is very important because there are a bunch of people in one place and the separation of the tables helps with social distancing and keeps us safe” Thomson said. The process for social distance learners is they can speak to the front desk and set up a time to do a drive through test. Each student can then drive up to the parking lot of the CAC to get tested. Nurses will come to your car and test you. The test includes having a swab stuck up both nostrils and spun around 5 times. The test usually takes around 2-3 days for your results to come back. If a student were to test positive, they must email all their teachers telling them that they will be doing online learning. They are not permitted to be on campus for 14 days and must get tested again after that day with a negative test. After this, the student may return back to school as normal and will continually get tested with the rest of the students.
North Cross is one of the most precautious schools within Roanoke Valley when it comes to keeping the students safe with COVID-19. All students from kindergarten through twelfth grade are required to get tested about every two/three weeks. This allows each student to be in the safest learning environment to allow proper learning for each student. Thomson says, “We get tested regularly and it feels a bit unnecessary but at the end of the day, it is keeping the students safe and allows us to do in person learning 5 days a week.” Being able to go into school 5 days a week allows for the normal learning for the students at North Cross.
The process of students getting tested takes place in the CAC. In the gym, there are separated tables assigned to different letters of the alphabet. Each student goes to the table that their last name falls into. This process allows for proper social distancing and each person’s safety. “This is very important because there are a bunch of people in one place and the separation of the tables helps with social distancing and keeps us safe” Thomson said. The process for social distance learners is they can speak to the front desk and set up a time to do a drive through test. Each student can then drive up to the parking lot of the CAC to get tested. Nurses will come to your car and test you. The test includes having a swab stuck up both nostrils and spun around 5 times. The test usually takes around 2-3 days for your results to come back. If a student were to test positive, they must email all their teachers telling them that they will be doing online learning. They are not permitted to be on campus for 14 days and must get tested again after that day with a negative test. After this, the student may return back to school as normal and will continually get tested with the rest of the students.
Cartoon by Chloe Hunt '21
Although this cartoon is a satirical representation of what distance learning may have looked like during the end of the 2019-20 school year, the beginning of this school year has been characterized by a great effort on part of students, faculty, and staff to make distance learning work for everyone. Recently, either by choice or as part of contact tracing with a positive case in the high school, new students are distance learning for the time being.
Global Studies scholar and volleyball player Mahum Hashmi '21 is one of those students. "My first class was okay (AP Calculus BC)," Hashmi said. "Because of the mask and how the teachers walk around and have to use separate cameras and microphones, sometimes voices were kind of muffled and I couldn’t hear the questions and answers of other kids, but overall it was okay."
Other distance learners such as Annie Lee '21 and Lana Roach '21 have generally positive reactions.
"It is kind of an unconventional way to do things in a time that isn’t conventional at all," Lee said, "but it’s the next best to being in class."
Roach cited Mr. Belderes' announcement this morning in which he helped ease the transition for new distance learners.
"The school is making it super easy to transfer from in person classes to distance learning," Roach said. "Mr. Belderes' announcement this morning helped make things more clear and all the teachers I’ve had so far are being super helpful."
Mixed reactions to distance learning are inevitable. Students have connectivity issues and aural problems, but in an unprecedented time, North Cross has the ability to transition online if need be. If you have any questions about distance learning, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or newly appointed Lily Angus, [email protected], the Distance Learning Coordinator.
Global Studies scholar and volleyball player Mahum Hashmi '21 is one of those students. "My first class was okay (AP Calculus BC)," Hashmi said. "Because of the mask and how the teachers walk around and have to use separate cameras and microphones, sometimes voices were kind of muffled and I couldn’t hear the questions and answers of other kids, but overall it was okay."
Other distance learners such as Annie Lee '21 and Lana Roach '21 have generally positive reactions.
"It is kind of an unconventional way to do things in a time that isn’t conventional at all," Lee said, "but it’s the next best to being in class."
Roach cited Mr. Belderes' announcement this morning in which he helped ease the transition for new distance learners.
"The school is making it super easy to transfer from in person classes to distance learning," Roach said. "Mr. Belderes' announcement this morning helped make things more clear and all the teachers I’ve had so far are being super helpful."
Mixed reactions to distance learning are inevitable. Students have connectivity issues and aural problems, but in an unprecedented time, North Cross has the ability to transition online if need be. If you have any questions about distance learning, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or newly appointed Lily Angus, [email protected], the Distance Learning Coordinator.
Images of Vietnamese students at home again
Vietnamese students share their experiences with quarantine camps - Hannah Nguyen
Quarantine in Viet Nam - by Hannah Nguyen
As of late May, Vietnam has just 268 infected cases of COVID-19 which are approximately 0.0003% of the Vietnamese population. Vietnam also has reported no cases of community spread since April 17. Despite sharing borders with China, Vietnam’s strict rules of social distancing since the very first day of the COVID-19 outbreak has made Vietnam one of the countries with the least infected cases in the world and no recorded deaths due to the COVID-19 so far.
Vietnamese successful story of fighting against the pandemic: From the first confirmed case in Vietnam on Jan. 23, the Vietnamese government started to have a very high political commitment to force the citizens into following social distancing policies. People have to pay a fine if going out in public without a proper face mask. They also have many new policies against retailers who were selling face masks overpriced. Many businesses such as restaurants, offices, or coffee shops were forced to close down later in February when there is a sign of rising in infected cases in Vietnam.
The government also has a strict policy of quarantining people coming from other countries starting from Feb. 3. Passengers must complete a health declaration before going on the plane then stay in a two-week quarantine, which is under the control of the Vietnamese government. Even though the government has closed the border and banned flights from other countries in April, there are still repatriation flights for Vietnamese who are staying, working or studying abroad. Many universities’ dormitories, field hospitals and army barracks were prepared to be quarantine locations.
Keeping that many people in one place has raised questions by many since you have more chances of getting infected when you’re in quarantine camps. But for now, it seems to be an effective policy because travelers can get immediate care as soon as they are tested positive or show any symptoms and it keeps the “might-be-infected” people away from the majority of citizens.
Some of North Cross’s Vietnamese students have returned home as soon as the school starts doing online classes. Winston Huynh ‘21 and Hermann Dinh ‘21 are now done with two weeks of quarantine in Vietnam and enjoying summer with their family.
“Quarantine camps were not as bad as I thought. I shared a room with three other people who are also international students. We were kept track of body temperature by the volunteer health workers and were provided three meals a day. There were already some essential items in our room and our families can send supplies into the quarantine camp for us,” Hermann Dinh said. “Online classes went just fine for me. It is just a bit hard to stay motivated during quarantine but teachers were really supportive and understanding.”
Winston Huynh said that there is nothing he can complain about doing online classes from Vietnam but taking the APUSH exam at 1 a.m. in the morning was definitely a “torture” for him.
“Imagine having to write an essay at 1 a.m when you’re extremely tired,” Huynh said. “I didn’t have coffee so I had to try my best to stay awake during the exam.”
Quarantine Routine: Hannah Nguyen shows her daily regimen movie
What students think of distance learning - by Tobi Bankole
With a student body as diverse as North Cross, it comes as no surprise that their hobbies and interests during quarantine are just as varied. In response to a survey sent by the paper, hobbies range from immersion in Japanese culture to gardening. Students have also been cooking, cleaning, writing short stories, journaling, painting, working out, playing guitar, and sewing. The most common answers, perhaps unsurprisingly, were that students took this time to sleep, watch Netflix and eat.
When asked about their feeling about the transition to distance learning, responses were decidedly mixed. Students appreciate having more free time, flexibility, the lack of a dress code, and short classes, but others say they like nothing about it or that it is not the best for them.
Though most take quarantine seriously now, many admit that they did not follow stay at home orders with due diligence at first. Only 16.13 said they followed the government’s stay at home order, while just under 50% said they went outside rarely but practiced social distancing and/or wore a mask. 19% reported to going outside frequently but social distancing and 3% reported to ignoring all government orders.
Most students agree or strongly agree that distance learning has been more challenging than in person, with only only three people disagreeing.
“At the beginning it was fine and I actually found myself being more productive, but now that we’re basically almost done with school, doing projects is becoming laborsome,” said one respondent.
Others say it depends on the class and the teacher, which is backed up by the results of another question.
“It varies from class to class, for some classes the work has become easier and others harder, then it also depends on the teacher and the workload.”
Ten students said science was most enjoyable in quarantine, while seven preferred English, six enjoyed their electives, and four liked their math classes.
The answers varied when directed at AP students, but there was similar variation and distribution across all questions.
*The survey was taken by almost one quarter of the student body in the second week of May based on a SurveyMonkey query embedded on our homepage.
When asked about their feeling about the transition to distance learning, responses were decidedly mixed. Students appreciate having more free time, flexibility, the lack of a dress code, and short classes, but others say they like nothing about it or that it is not the best for them.
Though most take quarantine seriously now, many admit that they did not follow stay at home orders with due diligence at first. Only 16.13 said they followed the government’s stay at home order, while just under 50% said they went outside rarely but practiced social distancing and/or wore a mask. 19% reported to going outside frequently but social distancing and 3% reported to ignoring all government orders.
Most students agree or strongly agree that distance learning has been more challenging than in person, with only only three people disagreeing.
“At the beginning it was fine and I actually found myself being more productive, but now that we’re basically almost done with school, doing projects is becoming laborsome,” said one respondent.
Others say it depends on the class and the teacher, which is backed up by the results of another question.
“It varies from class to class, for some classes the work has become easier and others harder, then it also depends on the teacher and the workload.”
Ten students said science was most enjoyable in quarantine, while seven preferred English, six enjoyed their electives, and four liked their math classes.
The answers varied when directed at AP students, but there was similar variation and distribution across all questions.
*The survey was taken by almost one quarter of the student body in the second week of May based on a SurveyMonkey query embedded on our homepage.
No students of North Cross School have contracted the coronavirus.
Stories of students life during the quarantine:
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Coronavirus Survey
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Comprehending the fact that people are willing to endanger their health and other people's health by not taking appropriate measures of quarantining themselves and protesting against government issued quarantine. |
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The toilet paper issue. |
Keep working. Get ready for college. And probably give it an extra month just in case the second wave comes around. |
This word cloud was created using Wordle from the responses of a SurveyMonkey questionnaire on April 20.
The following quotes came from the open-ended responses of the survey.
The following quotes came from the open-ended responses of the survey.
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This chart was created using Canva based on the responses of a SurveyMonkey survey on April 20.
Seniors make the best of unfortunate circumstances during the quarantine
Abigail Jefferson: secret talents, and her mark left on NCS - by Chloe Hunt
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Abigail Jefferson ‘20 is one of the seniors who has lost her spring trimester. This fall-- if the coronavirus permits-- she will attend High Point University to study Psychology and Theater Arts.
“I have always been interested in theater, and recently picked up an interest in psychology,” Jefferson said. “I always advocate for following your passions, so that is what I plan to do in college. I have gotten two separate scholarships from the school which will aid me in paying for tuition and room and board.” Amid all of this chaos, Jefferson has found time to pursue some of her passions that a lot of people do not know about. “Something that some people may not know about me is that I have recently started a small freelance business for bookbinding,” Jefferson said. “For an art project I bound a large novel in leather, and I discovered that I had a passion for the art. Ever since then I have been working on various books and trying to improve my skills with what I have on hand. I repurposed a large leather jacket that I found at the Goodwill, and have made multiple books with it.” While Jefferson really enjoys the craft, she is also profiting from it. “I am even currently working on a paid commission from a lady down in Georgia who needs a reservation book for her restaurant,” Jefferson said. “Learning about book binding and how it is done currently and how it was done in the past has weirdly affected how I look at books. Now that I know what goes into a book I am able to identify various methods for hand-bound and mass bound books.” While at North Cross, Jefferson was a huge part of the theatre program. She participated in every production she could, and most recently, she was Mrs. White in Clue! On Stage. “Some of my favorite High School memories come from theater,” Jefferson said. “I always look forward to going to IHOP after shows and hanging out with some of my closest friends all night.” As per tradition, the cast goes to IHOP after the opening night of any show. While the shows are a lot of fun, hard work is required as well. “Our show weekends are an absolute blur, and are always filled with intense work, dedication, and a lot of fun.” Jefferson said. “I am glad I'm the type of person who genuinely enjoys working with theater, because I honestly don't think I could put that many hours into anything else.” When Jefferson first arrived at North Cross, she played on the tennis team. “Other good memories I have come from being on the tennis team. Traveling around on the buses was always a good time, and it was interesting to get to know my teammates,” Jefferson said. “It was especially helpful, since I was a new student to the school when I joined the tennis team, so it served as a great introduction.” In light of reminiscing, Jefferson brought up what it feels like now, to be a senior without a definite graduation and without a spring. “Covid 19 has had quite the effect on everyone's school year, especially the seniors,” Jefferson said. “There is a chance that we will not have a prom, and our graduation will look differently from everyone else's. Learning online has definitely been tough, as I personally find it difficult to focus and take everything as seriously as I need to.” Isolation does not just make school difficult, but it also takes a toll on mental health. “Staying isolated for months on end takes a big toll on mental health, and overall it can prove difficult to stay positive throughout the whole endeavor,” Jefferson said. “I am glad I'm still able to see my friends over video call, inside or outside of class, but it definitely feels like there is something missing.” In the end, this is a difficult time, but Jefferson has a simple message that is relevant to all of us. “What is important, however, is to stay positive.” |
Sam Karlen jogging his mind during quarantine
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Sam Karlen, a long time cross country runner, one of the many seniors, and also one of the millions of students around the world who’s experiencing quarantine for the first time.
Like the majority of students experiencing quarantine since March 16, Karlen says the quarantine has allowed Karlen more freedom to pursue his streaming career more often. “My routine has become a bit more cluttered than usual because I’m able to better pursue hobbies, but it comes at the price of seeing my friends daily," Karlen said. "I wake up at about 7, I shower and wait for class to start. I go through my classes until 12, and since I have study hall fifth period I usually live stream from noon to 1:10, then I have lunch from 1:10-1:30, after that it’s class till 3:10 and I go out and run with Patrick at 4, and I’m usually home and able to stream again by 6 and that’s usually an hour and a half to two hours of streaming, after that it’s dinner and homework time. Karlen expressed disdain for his isolation from his friends and how it affects him mentally. |
Wadstrom's world of acting shaken by the Coronavirus crisis - by Chloe Hunt
“After a month of not being able to hang out with friends, I find myself getting bored incredibly easily,” Karlen said. “A lot of things I usually enjoy are getting boring but I’m able to pursue streaming daily, which has always been a goal of mine.”
For Karlen, distance learning is a very odd experience comparing to the traditional school routine, with its pros and cons
“It’s a little stressful having to tightly remember my schedule without the bells, but that’s just me. I feel like some teachers are being more relaxed with work and others not so much,” Karlen said. “I like how much freedom it gives me but it’s also more challenging for me to absorb as much information and actually stay awake and functional in class. I feel like I’m able to get more work done but actually sitting through class is an incredibly different experience.”
When faced about the reality of graduating through a screen, Karlen expressed his sadness because a virus ruined what was supposed to be his final and best year in the school.
“It’s awkward and I’m a little sad,” Karlen said. “I may have suffered a lack of a proper graduation but I feel like NCS is gonna try their hardest to make something work so that’s good.”
For Karlen, distance learning is a very odd experience comparing to the traditional school routine, with its pros and cons
“It’s a little stressful having to tightly remember my schedule without the bells, but that’s just me. I feel like some teachers are being more relaxed with work and others not so much,” Karlen said. “I like how much freedom it gives me but it’s also more challenging for me to absorb as much information and actually stay awake and functional in class. I feel like I’m able to get more work done but actually sitting through class is an incredibly different experience.”
When faced about the reality of graduating through a screen, Karlen expressed his sadness because a virus ruined what was supposed to be his final and best year in the school.
“It’s awkward and I’m a little sad,” Karlen said. “I may have suffered a lack of a proper graduation but I feel like NCS is gonna try their hardest to make something work so that’s good.”
Coronavirus causes cancellation of China trip
BOSTON BOUND: Tanner Vogel ‘22, Olivia Murchinson ‘21 and Chloe Hunt ‘21 wear masks they bought in the Richmond airport on the way to HMUN in Bost on, MA on Jan. 29. Boston reported one case while the students were in town. Photo by Robert Robillard
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With nearly 80,000 cases of Coronavirus as of Feb. 24, many Americans are anxious about the spread of the illness and have taken precautions like postponing travel.
The Global Studies Program planned to send eight students to China in June with Director of International Operation Nicki Dabney and Dr. Mike Koss, but the trip was put on hold until travel restrictions are removed and students feel comfortable traveling to China again. “So currently we have put the trip on hold,” Dabney said “I think that the coronavirus has caused a lot of concerns not just in the US but in China and around the world. We’re very fortunate that our program in China is a longstanding one so there’s no need to rush ahead in the trip to China this year because we can go any year and every year right in the future" Major cities have run out of masks and quarantine is compulsory in most airports. As of Mar. 26, there were 69,210 cases of confirmed cases in the US with the most concentrated being in New York |
Since the start of the outbreak, many trips to China had to be cancelled, leaving many students in a frozen state, indecisive of where to go.
Insert quote from a student who was/is planning to travel with the school to China.
When asked about the virus, Maddie Melton, an expert on China representing Where There Be Dragons, showed mixed feelings for how the virus is being handled by China, though it had left many Chinese citizens in a difficult situation, with little to no access to healthcare and supplies and are confined to their homes for multiple days in a row.
“I’m really glad that everyone’s taking the steps that need to be taken to to make sure it does stay contained,” Melton said. “I’ve been impressed by the fact that China is doing everything they can to make sure it doesn’t spread and I find that pretty admirable. At the same time I think it had left a lot of people in a difficult situation and we don’t know how long the quarantine will last”
Though efforts to contain the epidemic have proven to be quite remarkable, Melton expressed that the virus has permanently affected the city’s reputation, that Wuhan will only be associated with the virus from now on.
“I’m sad for the people and I think it will leave a big stigma in the city,” Melton said “no one in the United States had ever heard of Wuhan city for a very long time before and now it’s only association is going to do with this virus”
Melton also said that the racism towards Chinese people does not confined only to the USA, but the entire world in general ans especially in East Asian countries.
Dabney added a few remarks about the problem with coronavirus in North Cross and how students reacted to the outbreak is quite inapropriate.
“I’ve heard students joking about it (coronavirus) in North Cross and I don’t think that’s unnecessarily inappropriate” Dabney expresses disdain about how students reacted to the outbreak “...I think this is coming from a place of ignorance and lack of understanding and that’s why it’s important that we have Chinese programs and trips to China.”
Insert quote from a student who was/is planning to travel with the school to China.
When asked about the virus, Maddie Melton, an expert on China representing Where There Be Dragons, showed mixed feelings for how the virus is being handled by China, though it had left many Chinese citizens in a difficult situation, with little to no access to healthcare and supplies and are confined to their homes for multiple days in a row.
“I’m really glad that everyone’s taking the steps that need to be taken to to make sure it does stay contained,” Melton said. “I’ve been impressed by the fact that China is doing everything they can to make sure it doesn’t spread and I find that pretty admirable. At the same time I think it had left a lot of people in a difficult situation and we don’t know how long the quarantine will last”
Though efforts to contain the epidemic have proven to be quite remarkable, Melton expressed that the virus has permanently affected the city’s reputation, that Wuhan will only be associated with the virus from now on.
“I’m sad for the people and I think it will leave a big stigma in the city,” Melton said “no one in the United States had ever heard of Wuhan city for a very long time before and now it’s only association is going to do with this virus”
Melton also said that the racism towards Chinese people does not confined only to the USA, but the entire world in general ans especially in East Asian countries.
Dabney added a few remarks about the problem with coronavirus in North Cross and how students reacted to the outbreak is quite inapropriate.
“I’ve heard students joking about it (coronavirus) in North Cross and I don’t think that’s unnecessarily inappropriate” Dabney expresses disdain about how students reacted to the outbreak “...I think this is coming from a place of ignorance and lack of understanding and that’s why it’s important that we have Chinese programs and trips to China.”
The number of Coronavirus cases in the US by states as or Mar.26 , with the most affected in New York City with 33,066 cases and nearby regions. Virginia is one of the lower affected states with 391 cases, with 1 case confirmed in Roanoke.
SENIOR LIFE DURING QUARANTINE
Shanghai students show resilience at home
Tom Zhu '21
This pandemic comes without a sign. The way our society works really changes a lot. Because of this outbreak, people have to stay at home and only go out for necessary grocery shopping. The winter vacation was forced to be extended until March, for most schools, but our school has already begun online. During the time I stayed at home, I found my life was not changing a lot. I am generally an indoor person, so I can get used to it soon. However, I have never been so indoor like now—for almost one month not going out. Before this outbreak, I have already had a very long hair which can almost cover my eyes, but because I could not go out, so my hair kept growing. Finally, I decided that I must go out to have my hair cut, but I found that the haircut stores are not opening. Indeed,
I found some stores were still not legally opening. Those shops were looked like closed, but they are actually secretly working inside. For the school, I am very happy with the online classes. Because I can get up late, stay in a very comfortable environment to study, and skip the boring study halls of school! For the outbreak itself, I am personally very optimistic about that. The government blocked the Wuhan city, and even established two hospitals in only two weeks—which are unprecedented in history. Meanwhile, on the news people had noticed about both good news and bad news. Some people are very angry about some of the government’s mistakes, but I think they did not see the goods that the government has done. This outbreak is also, I believe, a re-build of the whole society, or a test to examine those department heads. Officers in charge of malpractice are fired; people who deserve reward are rewarded. I know blocking Wuhan is not fair to Wuhan citizens, but it saves the whole country and even some neighboring countries. I appreciate the Wuhan citizen’s sacrifice. The numbers of other cities’ patients are already declining, and I hope Wuhan can get better. Meanwhile, Japan is also experiencing this trouble. Unfortunately, because of their government form, it is hard to block a city like Wuhan, or request lands efficiently, so it can be a serious problem for them. All in all, the beginning of this issue is because of our neglection on the foods we eat, and we are very sorry about that. Nevertheless, I believe that this pandemic can be solved, and people can go outdoors really soon.”
Erica Wu ‘21
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“In the recent couples of days, the province government of Zhejiang has just loosened the quarantine restriction a little, for the fear of economic regression. Much to my (and other students who wish to apply for college next year) distress, SAT and other major standardized tests are now canceled in China and nearby region. This, to be frank, and the delay of schools are possibly the most profound effects I can sense from this ongoing epidemic. My city was under lockdown—so only one person from each household was allowed to leave the neighborhood once every two days, with a certified
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passport. My city is, despite of being a relatively severe epicenter among our nearby regions, performing particularly well in suiting to people’s need when quarantined at home. Thanks to modern technology, the city gov works with local farmers and fishers and arranges a network of food delivery service for households, such that, if they wish, people can get fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood each day. I believe this project done in my city was on some news as well, receiving accolade from the society. Despite of these mischances, we Chinese people will be doing our best to cope with uncertainty of the situation. All shall be fine.”
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Alice Yang ‘21
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“2020 is a special year for China, since coronavirus outbreaks in our country. In the beginning, I did not think it would be a serious problem until I saw the rapid increasing number of people who were infected with the virus. Mask and disinfectant are luxurious now; we cannot buy them easily. And on the Lunar New Year’s Eve, a horrible thing happened to me. I found myself having a fever (37.8 Celsius degree= 100.04 Fahrenheit degree). At one moment, I was afraid that I was going to die. Fortunately, the test was negative. For the later 25 days, I have been staying at home without even going out of our building. Every day is boring and similar. During the spring break, I relaxed myself with Lego and iPad. Also, I learned how to cook a variety of dishes for my family. Studying at home really saves my time but the learning atmosphere is totally different. I want to go to school and meet my friend and teachers. I miss them so much. And this is the longest winter holiday I have ever had and I will remember it forever.”
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