This commentary is being published both by the La Jolla Light (lajollalight.com) and the La Jolla High School Hi-Tide (ljhitide.net) as part of a partnership to give La Jolla High students the opportunity to express their views in the community newspaper.

It has been almost nine months since students at La Jolla High have been in a physical classroom. Since then, the virus has continued to spread, forcing the students to stay home during this time. With the number of COVID-19 cases showing no signs of decline, it is extremely important that the schools stay closed during this time of uncertainty.

Students at La Jolla High have been forced to adapt to online learning, and many students have not liked this new style of learning. However, it is very important for schools to remain closed while this pandemic is active. This is because schools can be a hot spot for the spread of the virus due to the close proximity of students during passing period, and the rotation of school materials, such as ChromeBooks, between students. And these risks are not just affecting students. Family members who live with the student and who are at high risk, such as sick or elderly people, are also put in more danger of contracting the virus if students return to school. This is because when students go to school and come in contact with each other, they are not only putting themselves at risk, but their families as well. “My dad was exposed to the virus and tested positive a few months ago. I don’t know if I gave it to him, but either way, me going to school would not have benefitted anyone’s safety,” said junior Frankie Castronovo. 

Some may argue that it is important that we return to in-person classes as soon as possible to ensure that students are not falling behind, but students are learning to adapt to this new style of learning, and some like it more than the previous style. Junior Lucas Cowling said, “I actually like online learning more, now that I only have three classes, I am able to concentrate more on an individual class, and I enjoy having a relaxed pace.”

Overall, it is crucial that schools remain online until it is 100 percent safe to return to in-person classes, so that we are not putting anyone’s health at risk. We cannot afford to put students, or their families, at risk of the virus. Therefore, the best option is to continue distance learning until it is safe to return to campus.