The morning started like any other, until the first-period bell rang: Students laughing in class and talking to one another before the day officially began. The teacher then announces that they will be leaving the school mid-year. No warning, no signs and the class fills with worry and stress about what happens next.

The unexpected absence of teachers Albert Ticona, Kraig Bauer and Annette Evans created uncertainty and challenges for students. While students felt stressed and unprepared, these situations also led to adjustments such as flexible assessments, new teaching styles and different perspectives from substitute teachers. Despite the disruptions, students were able to adapt over time, showing resilience and finding ways to continue their academic progress even in an unpredictable environment.

Math

Math teacher Albert Ticona’s last day was March 13. There was a parent meeting held on Mar 24 for students who had Ticona for geometry or pre-calculus. During this meeting, parents were informed about the rest of quarter three assessments and grades.

Students experienced a sense of shock after learning Ticona would be leaving, especially since information regarding his absence wasn’t immediately discussed. “My reaction was very shocked and surprised, and I wasn’t sure how our math class would continue,” sophomore Erina Shaik said.

Ticona’s absence caused his pre-calculus students to feel they were falling behind compared to JD Marchand’s pre-calculus class. Students who had Ticona had quizzes and tests rescheduled for later dates.

To compensate for the delay of quizzes and tests, assessments became open-note for the rest of the quarter. Students had extended time for the tests as well. “I felt more at ease with the open-note quizzes and tests. The extended time for the test gave me more time to study,” Shaik said.

Students also expressed a feeling of less stress regarding quizzes and tests. “On all of my quizzes after Mr. Ticona left, I got a 100% because I had a lot less stress put on myself,” junior Daniel Zhang said.

Following his departure, students had different substitute teachers every day. “I love the substitutes that we have; it gets us to learn from different perspectives, expand our knowledge and different study ideas,” Shaik said.

Students also said that the substitute teachers went in-depth when explaining lessons. “Our sub explains why he does the steps to solve problems, which is really helpful,” Zhang said.

Social studies

Social studies teacher Kraig Bauer announced to his classes on March 24 that he would be gone for the next six weeks and would be back mid-April. There were only a couple more units left before studying for the AP World exam, and his absence sparked concern for students. “I was kind of disappointed he would be gone because he’s such a good teacher. I was worried having a sub for six weeks would impact our knowledge for the AP world exam,” junior Nari Garnett said.

Students had substitute teacher Justin Yang covering for Bauer for six weeks. Yang has served as a substitute and classroom teacher in both charter and public school settings, including Montgomery County Public Schools.

Bauer’s absence caused students to feel impacted in terms of grades and assignments. “It kind of impacted me because some assignments weren’t graded. Half of the assignments Mr. Yang needed to grade, and then half Mr.Bauer needed to grade, so it was confusing,” Garnett said.

Bauer came on April 16 and got back to covering unit lessons as usual. “I’m glad that Mr. Bauer is back since AP exams are near. It’s good to have him help us review,” Garnett said

English

English teacher Annette Evans announced her retirement to her classes in early December. After 29 years of teaching she would officially be gone right after winter break. “I was happy for her to retire, but I was concerned about the next few weeks of class with a sub,” junior Geneveive Bulles said.

For the remainder of the semester, students had Anna-May Hanson as a long-term substitute. Hanson is an experienced teacher and has worked in this school for years as a substitute teacher.

Students expressed happiness toward having Hanson as a substitute. “I really liked our long-term sub; she was able to give us new ideas and new perspectives on how we can write,” Bulles said.