By Talaina Kor The Joseph City Unified School District (JCUSD) reopened for in-person schooling last week on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Although only less than a week into on-campus classes, Joseph City Junior High/High School Principal Eric Miller believes it to be off to a good start. “The majority of students, as well as parents, wanted to return to normal schooling,” Miller stated, noting that approximately 90 percent of the high school’s student population have returned to on-campus classes. The district has implemented new cautionary measures to ensure the safety of faculty and students. “We do temperature and infrared thermometer checks on students and staff as they enter the building,” said Miller, “We also do it as children get on the buses.” Students are required to wear masks in the buses, halls and during lunch period, and desks are distanced to ensure safety within the classrooms. The teachers also make sure to wipe down desks with disinfectant between classes. The district is encouraging a safe environment outside of the school as well. “We have been working on sending out messages telling people to make sure they keep their kids home when they are sick or have symptoms,” said Miller. Teacher Mike Sterkowitz is excited to be back and prefers in-person classes as well. “It’s important to be able to read students’ body language to make sure they’re getting the information. It’s also easier for them to interact,” stated Sterkowitz. “When we get online classes a lot of people start talking and it interferes with one another.” While not conducive to online learning, in-person those students being able to interact with one another is important component of schooling. “Everyone seems to be happy to be back. Part of school is socializing. So being able to be with their friends is important,” said Sterkowitz. Although in-person schooling has returned, it is not mandatory and students are still able to attend class via online. “I have a few students that are still online,” stated Sterkowitz, “So I use Google Classroom and include them in the in-class discussions and if I show a video, I can share the screen. So, it’s almost like being here.” JCUSD will continue to offer online options but like other districts is hopeful that all students will eventually return to campus.
