The hallways were empty of students on Wednesday morning, as students reported to school at 10 a.m. Teachers used the morning for professional development.
Students respond to this year’s virtual days
For the first time, two years ago, Pascack Valley participated in a last minute virtual day because of a snowstorm that hit New Jersey. Other schools called for a “snow day” but PV was the first school in the area to call for a “virtual day.”
Though the State Department of Education would decide to not allow it to count as an actual school day, the online school day was deemed successful, which explains why on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week PV brought back this idea.
However, this year, it was not in place of a snow day. Instead, the Board of Education decided to give students a break in their schedules since there are no midterms and finals this year. Although students were still given a chance to come into school on these days, the majority of PV seemed to feel that the virtual day was a great idea.
“Virtual days give us a small and easier break from school work since we don’t have midterms anymore,” said Emma Moskowitz, a sophomore here at PV. “Plus, PV students are responsible enough to have completed the work that was required from home.”
Additionally, many teachers, parents, and guardians looked upon this idea with a positive attitude.
“I really appreciate that our school is open to try new things and be as innovative as it is. But, I think virtual days aren’t something that should become a regular here at PV, we should either get a half day or get the day off of school,” said Zachary Terzini, a senior here at PV.
Two years ago, multiple students claimed that the virtual day was “a lot of work” and “very stressful.”
Junior Chloe Witt gave her detailed opinion on this year’s virtual days.
“I am not against or for virtual days. The year before last’s online school day was very stressful and seemed to have a lot more work than what we would have done in school. On the other hand, I do think it’s great that us students are able to complete work from home in a less stressful manner,” she said.
This year, the online school day was not only new for the freshman, but the sophomores as well.
Sophmore Camryn Teadore said,“This year’s virtual day was a good step for Pascack Valley because we were able to get work done in a more relaxing setting.”
Pascack Valley’s attempt to try something new for their school’s curriculum will forever be positively or negatively dawned upon.