It’s been a month since Pentucket High School students and teachers started school as they did over two years ago; in person for five days a week. Yet, it’s been a rocky start for many because they aren’t used to this type of schedule anymore. 

Many students found coming back to school like they were being dunked in cold water; it was a wake-up call. Instead of being hybrid or remote, students attend school full time, and receive more work that they have to juggle with their after-school activities and personal life. 

“It’s been stressful,” said Senior Emily Brankman- and many students agree. Senior Emily Brankman and Junior Maggie Dorato both had difficulty coming back to school. Brankman takes three AP classes and two honors while Dorato takes one AP and all honors.

Brankman thinks that her classes this year were as challenging as she expected, but is a “different experience” than taking AP classes last year. She said this school year hasn’t been “easy,” but she’s slowly figuring out her schedule and getting better. 

Dorato thinks her classes are more challenging this year and her AP class is more work. She said “It’s because I’m in school five days a week and I’m not at home to do my work. They give me homework, which I haven’t had in two years.” 

Dorato also said that “It’s a transition. Last year we went from two to five days and now all of the sudden it’s five days with homework, assignments, quizzes, and tests.” 

Teachers’ Point of View 

English teacher Ms.Cromwell teaches three English 10 CP classes and two AP English Literature and Composition classes. She thinks school is going better than last year. Like other teachers, she’s working towards teaching this year at the pre-pandemic pace and level. 

Last year, teachers had to cut their curriculum, and Cromwell cut her AP class by a third. This year, she noticed when she tried to “amp it up again, people are struggling with the workload.” 

She thinks students are slowly adapting, but teachers need to adjust and pay attention to how students are performing and feeling. 

Ms.Cromwell said she and the other teachers have noticed “a deficit” this year in ninth and some tenth graders’ writing. Normally, she doesn’t review grammar, but Cromwell plans to this year.

Challenges 

Brankman and Dorato feel their challenge last year was staying organized because they were at home. Now, it’s timing because they have more to juggle. 

Ms.Cromwell said “It’s tricky” to say how students are doing this year, but she wouldn’t say students are actually struggling. She thinks some aren’t used to being in large groups anymore. 

This year has taken a rocky start, but students and teachers are starting to get back into the swing of things and adjusting to the new circumstances.