Covid changed the world in many ways, from eating in restaurants to just going outside. Covid also had an enormous impact on students’ ability to learn and socialize in school. 

On Mar. 16, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan announced that all Montgomery County Schools would be shut down for two weeks. The two weeks led to three months, which led to a whole year a half of online school.

Online school was different for all students. Some struggled with focus, lack of energy, and studying on a regular basis. Other students exceeded their academic thresholds by completing all assignments and becoming more independent throughout the school year. Senior Ethan Kuan said, “I really enjoyed online school because I was able to go at my own pace and complete my assignments faster than I would with regular instruction.”

Like students, teachers also struggled with online school. Not seeing students created a lack of motivation among some teachers due to the idea that they were teaching a black screen. Biology teacher Jen Mockensturm said, the hardest part was “students not turning on their cameras so you thought you were talking to yourself and no one was paying attention.” 

Last school year returned to in-person school with Covid precautions in place. Rules such as requiring students and faculty to wear masks and trying to maintain social distance with other students were put in place. Although being in person did help with focus among students, some still fought with emotional wellness and typical in-school behavior. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “Eighty-seven percent of public schools reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted student socio-emotional development during the 2021–22 school year.” 

Signs of the lack of emotional stability according to the NCES were “increased incidents of classroom disruptions from student misconduct (56 percent), rowdiness outside of the classroom (49 percent), acts of disrespect towards teachers and staff (48 percent).” 

Here we are, the first school year in four years without a pandemic. There are still lasting implications that include students missing out on a lot of information from the 2020-2021 school year . Being back in school has also been a benefit to students’ mental, social, and physical health. Senior Nikhil Bakshi said, “The thing I love most about in person school is that I get to socialize with my friends in person.” 

Maintaining social health doesn’t only benefit students’ general current happiness, but, according to Medical New Today, “Studies have shown that those who enjoy close friendships over their teenage years aren’t just happy as adolescents; they also have a lower rate of depression or anxiety later in life.”