It would be redundant to comment on how different and confusing this school year has been for us all, yet it’s important to emphasize something that many may not have noticed––the lack of available interaction between peers and teachers. Not only this, but students have noticed a lack of connection between themselves and their fellow peers. While it may have become increasingly obvious with the move to fully distanced learning, many students have admitted that they simply do not have as much time as they once did for seeing their friends, stating that they used to most often see their friends during school hours. Socialization is an extremely important part of learning, as well as everyday life, and this being taken away is being found to be quite detrimental to most students and staff.
This issue was eventually recognized more thoroughly by the student body, and it eventually made its way to the discussion table of a recent Student Council meeting. The members of the Student Council were hoping to be able to do something in regards to fixing the issue, and Mr. Nave, the supervisor, was entirely supportive and prepared to work alongside them. After long discussions and several meetings, the Student Council has compiled a list of potential virtual activities for students and staff to participate in together. So far, several are pending approval, or will be announced later this year. Most of them involve another staff member leading either an activity, a club, or a group session of something of their choice, and would allow for those interested to participate and reconnect with their fellow peers and friends.
One very exciting activity has already been approved. To celebrate the holiday season and our upcoming winter break, the Student Council has worked alongside Mr. Hults to organize a day of activities and fun led by THS staff on December 23rd. While several of the activities are still pending approval, they range from crafts and decorating to dancing and singing. Each activity will be hosted by one or two teachers, and students will be allowed to select a designated number of activities to attend throughout the day.
The Student Council is also hosting a door decorating contest throughout the month of December. They are asking that students decorate their doors at home, as we will be unable to do it in school this year. As we would in school, students are being asked to decorate with paper decorations, streamers, or anything they can easily find or make themselves. They have announced that the theme is winter, and have asked that a message of kindness be included as well. This idea was decided upon as it will be a great method to promote kindness around town––especially if the decorated doors are those on the outsides of students’ homes. This activity is meant to encourage creativity and the opportunity for time spent with family, and, of course, a bit of friendly competition. One winner will be chosen from each grade, as well as one overall grade reigning champion. The official winners will be announced on December 23rd during the festivities, but entries are asked to be submitted by December 18th.
[embeddoc url=”https://terryvillenewspaper.edublogs.org/files/2020/12/Door-Decorating-Contest-2020-1.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google” ]
The approval of these December festivities is not only exciting for the activities themselves, but for the future promise of the virtual activities that Student Council hopes to soon be hosting. They are all still working hard to come up with new ideas and seek approval and find potential hosts for all of the activities and things that they have planned. The excitement already surrounding the 23rd and the door decorating contest is promising, proving to the Student Council that this is exactly what the student, staff, and community are all in such desperate need of for reconnection.
Written by Lilyana Ricardo