Preschool Affected by The Pandemic

 Nathalie Mendez

            The corona virus pandemic started in the middle of the school year for all grades last year. In United States all of us were affected but we all were affected very differently. Preschoolers didn’t get to see their friends or their teachers again. Parents had to find a way to make sure through the lockdown to get food on their family’s table. In 2021 we are still dealing with many families not being able to pay for preschool and not even having a job. The most affected in my perspective are the parents since most have been left with no job or having to take care of their child so needing to stay at home. 

            In the middle of the year 2020, many students went back to school and so did some preschoolers but, others may have stayed home, and parents may have figured out a way to be home to take care of their children. Almost everything hasn’t been able to get back to the way it was because we are still dealing with corona virus. I believe it is harder for parents to keep their children from catching the virus because preschoolers are hard to reinforce to keep a mask on and to stay six feet apart. I know that many children don’t understand what is even happening in the world. As parents worry so do teachers because of not being able to make sure they are protected as much as possible since you can get it from touching personal items of the preschoolers. It has been a hard year for many students and teachers as some have caught the virus and have had to be quarantined. Unfortunately, they are at least nine strands that we know of and all can be possible to get which is why everyone who have gotten the virus have reacted differently. 

            Preschoolers may not be even learning well because it is harder to teach when some are online, and some are physically there. If parents don’t have the money to make sure their children can go to preschool, it can cause them to be one year behind. I know that families have been losing people because of the virus, this can also cause children to start feeling sad because they don’t understand why people are dying so easily with this illness. This pandemic can be affecting them mentally instead of physically which isn’t good for children that are the age of 3-5. I am a teacher for the children at my church and they always ask me why they have to wear a mask and it’s sometimes sad that they don’t really understand and have to fear the unknown right now.

            In conclusion, we all have been affected in many ways, but I believe the younger the kids are the more affected the family is. Families all around the United States have been greatly impacted by the pandemic and need the most support throughout this year. We all are hoping this pandemic leaves in a few months so, we can prepare all preschoolers for the next school year to Kindergarten.

Education K-12 and College/University

 Our Future Holds Many Possibilities 

Elementary School

-Giselle Macineira

 

A year ago we were in the middle of starting a new decade, children were looking forward to spending time with their friends after the Holiday break, possibly excited for future family vacations.  The first few months were what we used to call ‘normal.’  Interaction with friends and family wasn’t distant.  The faces that they saw day in, day out were uncovered.  Play areas were available to be used by all.  Sharing food, toys, books and other tools for activities was allowed.  There was a routine in place only broken up by teachers work days and weekends.

That all came to a stop and their way of life shifted from a playful and joyous life to almost instant imprisonment with no end.  Gone were the days of seeing friends and even using their favorite playground. Outdoor recreation came to a stop; schooling became that of the online variety where confused parents tried their best to juggle their own jobs with unfamiliar school work.  The environment caused arguments because children need to burn off energy and some live in places where space is at a premium.  Some were faced in dealing with their abusers with the little break provided by spending time in school.  The routine was gone, replaced by chaos and the ‘new normal’ that covered the faces of those they cared for and made a simple thing such as a hug into something almost illegal.

There was no difference between normal school and summer.  No break to be heard of, no vacations to go on. Gradually some facets of life started to morph into something ‘normal’ but, with many changes.

For some nothing has changed.  Many children are still homeschooled because they fear of getting a potentially deadly virus at any corner.  The few that have returned to a school building are faced with having to use masks, hand sanitizer, social distancing and the loss of human contact.  Their classes are held with their desks surrounded by a wall of Plexiglas. Recreation is scarce and the act of being locked indoors has caused tension between the children, parents and even the teachers that have to pick up the slack.  Some children will never see their friends again either because an illness has taken their lives or because their family can no longer afford to live in that current area.  

A year from now, it is likely we’ll be in the same predicament, hopefully with less strict rules that allow the children to interact with their friends, play more and not be restricted to wearing a mask.  Hopefully they will not have to look at their teacher through the haze of an acrylic and see people smiling at them again and being able to play with no fear, engaging normally.  Family vacations, where both kids and parents can let go of daily tensions and just relax from all the stress from daily routine.  Family activities are not complete if there is not tension and worries about putting people we love in danger. 

 

 

Education K-12 and College/University

                                                               

                               OUR FUTURE HOLDS MANY POSSIBILITIES

                                                   HIGH SCHOOL

 

  The definition of a high school is a school that, provides children with part or all their secondary education. It may come after elementary school or middle school and may be followed by higher education like college or vocational training, or military service. The term "high school" originated in Scotland, with the world's oldest being Edinburgh's Royal High School from 1505. Education is a right, not an advantage. 

  As the incomparable Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most impressive weapon which you can use to change the world." America's optional schooling framework has been incredibly fruitful in permitting numerous understudies to succeed yet has missed the mark in giving equivalent freedoms to other people. Moreover, for those not keen on attending a university, secondary school regularly winds up just like a gigantic exercise in futility from their perspective. America's secondary school education framework ought to be improved so it better readies all understudies for this present reality and ought to give the chance to equivalent and moderate training to all. 

 As indicated by The Atlantic, secondary school graduation rates have arrived at an untouched high as of late and was at 75% for the 2011-2012 school year. Nonetheless, CBS News detailed that under 39% of working age representatives (ages 25-64) have a two or long-term professional education. This implies that the overwhelmingly greater part of individuals does have a secondary school degree yet not a school one. In this way, if an understudy is not actually anticipating heading off to college, is it truly reasonable for say that America's educational system is getting ready understudies for what's to come? For an understudy anticipating entering the labor force straight out of secondary school, does it bode well to show him math or abilities identified with the field they desire to seek after a work in? Shouldn't something be said about the 25% of understudies who do not graduate secondary school? Do they decide to exit since they are unequipped for graduating or they have understood that they might be burning through their time? If an understudy desires to turn into an analyst in the wake of completing secondary school does a class, for example, European History truly set him up for anything? Understudies ought to be more openly permitted to pick their timetable and ought to have the option to get work preparing as opposed to taking what might be viewed as another inconsequential class. By doing this, Americans would be more ready for occupations that do not need higher educations. Moreover, this would permit individuals to settle on an educated choice while picking a lifelong way after finishing secondary school. An understudy may find that he cherishes working with power and choose to turn into an electrical expert. Possibly an understudy finds his affection for vehicles and chooses to turn into a repairman. These classes could likewise show understudies how to pro meetings, construct their resumes, and prevail in their professions. 

  Another colossal issue that exists with America's schooling is the extraordinary dissimilarity between various schools. Essentially all top-level secondary schools are situated in affluent regions and don't take into account individuals from devastated regions to join in. This is exceptionally dubious - particularly for a country that should be the place where there are fresh chances to succeed. Understudies ought to have the option to get similarly high schooling paying little heed to where they reside. Without a doubt, there are numerous instances of individuals getting away from neediness and living the American Dream, however what number of millions of individuals are there experiencing the Un-American Dream? Is it truly reasonable for rebuff youngsters dependent on what sort of family they were naturally introduced to? Because of disparities in schooling, a great many individuals are constrained into what is basically a hover of destitution.

  America's schooling framework works effectively of getting ready understudies for middle class occupations however bombs horrendously with regards to planning individuals who need specialized preparing. America has basically made a framework in which, contingent on the school you are compelled to join in, you might possibly be allowed the chance to succeed. In this manner, regardless of its numerous qualities, America's schooling framework should be changed to plan understudies more readily for common positions and to give understudies a similarly open, top notch education.

Education K-12 and College/University

Our Future Holds Many Possibilities

Middle School 

- Jeffrey Llanes 

In the United States, a middle school is a school for children in the fifth to eighth grades, between the ages of 10 and 13 or 14. ... In Britain, a middle school is a state school that children go to between the ages of 8 or 9 and 12 or 13. Middle schools serve pre-adolescent and young adolescent students between grades 5 and 9, with most in the grades 6-8 range. Middle schools in the upper grade range (7-9) are sometimes referred to as junior high schools. Secondary or high schools enroll students in the upper grades, generally 9-12 with variations. While all middle schools require the four core subjects of English, history, science and math, and a half year of physical education, most students are then allowed to choose from a menu of classes like band, orchestra, chorus, art, home economics, drama and technology. In Lee County, electives vary by middle school. ​The school day is often very different in elementary, middle, and high schools. Unlike elementary schools, where​ ​students​ often stay with one or two​ ​teachers​ ​for most of the school day, middle school is usually the first time in which students change teachers after each class​ of usually about one hour. Students often ​study​ 6​ ​subjects​.​ They will be taught by a different teacher for each subject. The change from a one teacher-all subjects way of teaching helps create more independence for the student. They no longer have the guidance of just one main teacher. Also, students will often have more of a choice in what classes they take. This is mainly in dealing with subjects which are taken in addition to the basic subjects such as Mathematics, English, History and general science. In general, middle school acts as a transition between the elementary school structure where most people are all treated the same and the high school structure where most people are treated as individuals. ​Middle schoolers can expect an increase in homework, and projects and parents should help their children develop skills of independence and responsibility, as teachers and others will expect more from them. But middle school does offer many perks, as well. Students often have more opportunities available to them in middle school. Many middle schools offer after-school clubs, sports teams, and other activities to their students. In addition, many school districts allow high-achieving middle schoolers to take high school courses for credit while still in middle school. Your child's school may also offer opportunities for exchange programs or spring break adventure travel. 

Middle schoolers may also face numerous school rules, school dress codes, social pressures and more. In addition to puberty, middle schoolers face a number of social challenges including bullying, making friends and dealing with other peer problems as well as peer pressure. Parents of tweens should take the time to prepare their children for middle school, as well as learn as much as possible about the middle school their child will attend. Your child's growth and development during the middle school years will set the stage for high school and beyond. 

Education K-12 and College/University

Our Future Holds Many Possibilities 

Middle School

 -  Harry Martin

The middle school environment had changed From the point in time when I attended to nowadays. What I picture in my head to be fun and enjoyable times could have been the opposite to someone else. Bullying and school violence have increased frequently in the past couple of years, throughout primary, middle, and high school. Out of all the categories, middle school students suffered the most from school bullying. 

   Incidents like bullying and harassment not only can cause students to inflict physical harm on themselves also induces a multitude of physiological problems  Leading to future insecurity through high school and for some might continue through the rest of their lives. . The mental stress that comes with dealing with eight classes for the first time is unmatched. Sure, in high school, they follow the same format, but middle school is where you experience it for the first time. Middle school students attending classes During the Covid-19 term experienced the hardship of managing eight different types of courses without being face to face with a Teacher to guide them through this educational journey. Instead, first-year Secondary school students must rely on the ability to perform just as well on a computer screen as if it was in person. The nerves and excitement to try and find my classes and asking others, knowing they had just as much as a clue as you did. These students will experience nothing of the sort and with even higher curriculum standards compared to years previous. 

The increase in the use of Computer-based learning has more than doubled in these past years. Schools, classrooms, and students have integrated technology into classrooms like never before. Smart-boards and computers for each student is the new Norm—no more days of taking home a textbook that slowly gives you scoliosis . The Change in Technology and curriculum can be detrimental to both parties. Students have to adapt to learning through online platforms with only Virtual help. Experiences are different, varying from student to student. Some way excels in a  technology-based curriculum, while others struggle to understand without explanations face to face. 

Accountability towards educators has been anything but lenient in recent years. Education boards have increasingly expected teachers and students to be accountable for their work. Inconstant view of the public eye has to lead to the increased use in high stakes testing, which is a standardized test taken by all students in a district or region. The test has a vital role in their future education and opportunities , may influence grades that they receive in the course or determine whether students graduate or continue to next level of schooling. The test are a mixture of structured response, multiple choice, and essays . This raises issues of whether it is fare to all students such as giving students the best start instead of disqualification of the start. Results from these standardized tests are also used to evaluate the teachers performance insuring students get the best possible score becomes an obvious concern for teachers . 

 

 

 

 

 

Education K-12

Our Future Holds Many Possibilities 

High School

-Samantha Iglesias

High School has never been easy. Seniors are waiting to graduate, while the rest wait in anticipation for their year to finally walk the stage. However, in 2020 everything changed. Students and teachers had to find a new way of learning and teaching. Due to this many issues occurred and students were sent             home to complete school online.

Unfortunately, in 2019 a new virus named Covid-19 was discovered. The virus was an adjustment that students would have to get used to. High schoolers struggled with this. Going to school became a routine for them. You would go to class at a specific time and when that class was over you would have another. It gave stability to us student. However, when everything was switched to online and no one was able to see their friends and teachers anymore it was difficult. Even for some student to fully comprehend the lessons and be able to understand the teacher completely. Some students were able to attend class in person if they wished to do so. Although, there had to be certain restrictions, such as, keeping six feet apart, wearing a mask, sanitizing. This is good for those students who have learning disabilities.

For most students, walking down the hallway and simply seeing a friend and talking to them would be the highlight of a student’s day. Seniors would normally be getting ready for their prom, graduation, etc. Due to Covid-19 those activities were cancelled and graduation was either done virtually or through a drive-through at the school. Seniors were unable to experience something that is once in a life time. I myself had to deal with this, being a graduate of class 2019. I was devastated. I and so many other students were excited to finally be able to walk the stage with our peers and show our parents the accomplishments we made. Therefore, not being able to get that satisfaction a lot of us were upset. Another extracurricular activity that was cancelled due to COVID-19 is sports. Students sometimes relied on these to be able to get into good colleges to help better their futures. More importantly so this effects a student’s mentality. Being apart of a team brings a sense a comfort and being able to talk to one of your teammates about any issues helps to relieve some stress.

One last issue students are facing is not being able to complete their work on time. Due to students working from home, they have the ability to decide when to start and stop school. Although, because of TV entertainment, such as, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, students aren’t finishing their assignments and are falling behind. That is why being able to go to school and learn is so important. Students wont physically get up to go and complete those assignment. One way to improve this is having a scheduled time to log into class and complete some assignment, so that students could turn in their assignments and get them graded.

Overall, I believe that the education will improve in the near future. Hopefully student will be able to go back to school. Its very important for them to learn new thigs and experience different high school events. High Schoolers need this to move forward in their lives and be able to move into the next part of their lives.

                                                             K-12 EDUCATION                                                 Daniel Zayas 

The K-12 education system, from kindergarten to 12^th grade, is an American expression that includes years of publicly supported primary and secondary education in the United States. K-12 is a shortening of kindergarten for 5–6-year-old through 12^th grade for 17–18-year-old, as the first and last grade.

Education is very essential in life, not only when it comes down to academics, but its social aspects as well. Students need to communicate with others to establish and maintain relationships, and participate in a variety of work, community, and home settings. High school friendships are likely to last a lifetime. These relationships are beneficial later in life. Social aspects of education are to be thanked for when considering future references and opportunities.

Pre-kindergartens differentiate themselves by equally focusing on building a child’s social development, physical development, and cognitive development. In this grade period they commonly follow a set of organization-created teaching standards. Kindergarteners are taught in school classrooms and move from class to class during the day, typically with the same students they had in the previous classes. Students are in school for an average of 7 hours a day.

In middle school, students are given the opportunity to select certain electives to their own liking while still taking the other basic educational subjects needed for graduation. These electives can help prepare students for their careers even persuade some students to switch careers. It gives students the opportunities to try out new things and get out of their comfort zone. Students have different classes with different students almost every single time. This gives students the opportunity to socialize with multiple classmates in each class period.

After middle school comes high school. High school lasts 3-4 years and it introduces students to the GPA system and advanced course classes that can help students receive college credits before college. Middle school has GPA, but it gets reset once students reach high school. “GPA” stands for Grade Point Average, which is used to get into colleges and have a chance of qualifying for college scholarships. In order to graduate from High school students must have at least a 2.0 GPA average and pass all the required classes to fully graduate from high school. Students must have a high school diploma to attend college. This what makes the K-12 system very important in the United States to get a high education on a certain field study. This education system also includes several tests that evaluates a student’s knowledge. This test is widely used by colleges to accept qualified students to their campus. One of these tests is called the “SAT”. The SAT is a standardized test for college in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board and claim that the SAT can determine if the person is ready for college or not. There is another standardized test for college admission in the U.S. called the ACT. The ACT test assesses high school student’s general educational development and their ability to complete college level. This test covers English, Math, Reading, and Science.

 

Education K-12 and College/University

Our Future Holds Many Possibilities 

-Rosamary Parjus

    Elementary

   Education has taken an unexpected turn in the last year. Although it is true that the educational field has always been changing and evolving, the year 2020 surprised everyone, giving a 180 degree turn to education, and brought with it new rules and regulations which lead teachers and students to adapt to a new and unknown environment.

  Elementary school students have been one of the most affected by all this event. With the little ones it is a bit more complicated since it is difficult to explain the situation to them and for them to understand it. Before the pandemic the normal routine was to go to classes, share with classmates and teachers and play with friends; now it is something completely different, they have to keep distance, be separated and use hygienic measures, or take the classes at home. It is a difficult process to assimilate for everyone, and even more so when it comes to a child.

  One of the many negative things that have affected children is communication. Before they had the possibility to speak directly with the teachers and classmates, laugh together, share their days. If they had any questions or doubts, they simply raised their hands and got their answer instantly, but in remote classes they must send a message and wait for an answer.

  Other negative things that the Covid19 brought was that many children did not have the necessary technology to be able to receive their classes online. The pandemic not only brought negative things for the children but also for the parents, who played a fundamental role in making possible that the classes from home worked. Parents had to be patient and optimistic to help their children with the school year, not only academically but also psychologically.

  In spite of everything, the 2019-2020 academic year ended quite well within what is possible. Schools moved fast and provided solutions to problems. For example: they provided lectures, videos, and online classes to teach parents how to use the different digital platforms on which their children were going to take classes. They provided computers for free to those in need. This school year taught us to be patient, to work as a team, to understand each other more. And of course, everyone improved their tech skills.

  I believe that education in the future will continue to improve and it will be much better. Education will be better prepared in the coming years. Technology has always favored the educational field by offering sources of knowledge, among other things, and in the years to come I am sure that this will not be different, on the contrary, it will be much better. I also hope that education has more scope, especially in young children who do not have the possibility of going to school, since that age is very important for academic development, since it is when they learn to read and write. I believe that education is the foundation for any society, the future of the world depends on it.

Education K-12 and College/University

       Our future holds many possibilities                   

College/University 

"It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever be dimmed" - Doe Zantamata 

Nowadays, the new normal days are the times where we stay at home without any other interaction besides our immediate families, the social lives that we had a year back are just through Zoom, Instagram, Whatsapp or any video/chatting platform. 

Us as college/university students are working hard to make it through these tough times, we are trying to adapt to other ways of learning that are not the traditional face to face lectures. One of the biggest issues with this new world is the lack of concentration that the student is experiencing, they are living in a comfortable environment where the professor can’t see if the students are paying attention or simply taking attendance; this type of learning is stressful for the professor because he needs to wait for the student to get the information and answer in the chat box, also the technical difficulties occur frequently which make the student disconnect from class. 

Being remote is not all unpleasant, there is a good side as well, as students we avoid the excessive traffic, it is extremely more economic in the case that we don’t have to spend so much in gasoline by attending face to face lectures. Another reason is that most professors record their classes, which means that if we fall behind or miss class for any reason, we can watch the lectures as many times as necessary.   

Right now, we have two possible outcomes for the next 12 months, we could go back to our old ways where we could all be together without the worry of getting sick or being extremely exposed or stay remote as long as possible. In general, the outcome is not a personal decision, it depends on how the world will keep developing and adapting to the COVID-19 ways. 

As a student I can say that we are working as hard as we can to make it through today’s school year. In the past students worked hard to make their years during college/university worth it and be able to graduate and become successful in their careers, today we get called lazy for trying to do things our way and be able to make it through the year. What students will experience one or two years from now you may ask? The possibilities for that answer are endless, some could still be at school fighting against COVID or others could be taking a break from this crazy and anxious times; others could’ve graduated and working on their field, while the rest dropped out because they couldn’t handle the stress. There’s no certain way of telling which one, or for that matter, if any of this possible tomorrows are going to be true, or at least close. 

                                                                

                                                                       

K-Grade 12   

                                                          Annet Pinero

The K-12 system stands for 'from kindergarten to 12th grade', is an American expression that indicates the range of years of publicity supported primary and secondary education found in the United States. This equates roughly to a school starting age of around five to grade 12 around the age of eighteen or nineteen. The school system is broken down into three stages: Elementary school (grades K-5), Middle school (grades 6-8), and High school (grades 9-12).

 

 

 

Pre-Schools differentiate themselves by equally focusing on harvesting a child’s social development, physical development, emotional development, and cognitive development. They commonly follow a set of organization-created teaching standards in shaping curriculum and instructional activities/goals. Pre-school is not required. On the other hand, it acts as a way to prepare children to better succeed in kindergarten. Pre-school programs usually offer two- or three-hour sessions per day, a few days a week. Children learn the alphabet, colors, and other elementary basics.

Elementary students are typically in one classroom with the same teacher most of the days. After elementary school, students proceed to middle school, where they usually move from class to class each period, with a new teacher and a new mixture of students in every class. Students can select from a wide range of academic classes and electives. During both elementary and middle school, children generally stay in the classroom an average of 6.5 to 7 hours. After middle school, comes high school. In high school, students in their first year are called freshman, in their second-year sophomore, in their third-year junior, and in their last year and fourth-year senior. There is an even greater variety of subjects than before. Students generally stay in the classroom an average of 7.5 hours and must earn a certain number of credits in order to graduate and be awarded a High School Diploma.

Only with a high school diploma students can enroll in College/University education. Is important to know that colleges and universities sometimes require certain high school credits or tests (e.g., SAT) for admission, and students must plan their high school career with those requirements in mind. During high school years, students are given “grades” for all of their courses, and these are recorded. At the end of 12^th grade, the student’s grades are averaged out to provide a “GPA” or Grade Point Average, which will often be used to apply to college or university. Students in 12^th grade also take “SATs”, Scholastic Aptitude Tests, or “ACTs”, American College Tests. These are the second principal tests used as criteria for admissions for college or university. The SAT is a standardized test for college in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board and claim that the SAT can determine if the person is ready for college or not. The possible scores are from 600 to 2400 combining test results from three 800-points sections (math, critical reading, and writing).

The ACT is another standardized test for college admission in the U.S. The ACT test assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. It consists of a multiple-choice section covering four skill areas (English, Math, Reading, and Science). Generally, colleges require one or the other test for college admissions.