With the first semester of school officially behind us, Torah High marks five successful months of in-person learning. Though challenging at first, Torah High has managed to maintain the welcoming atmosphere we all know and love, while social distancing. Although we are separated by six feet of physical distance, the connection developed between students this year couldn’t be stronger. During these unprecedented times, students have learned to rely on one another for support and guidance. Thanks to the devotion of our supportive and accommodating staff members, each student has set up a learning method unique to them. In this article, we will take a look into the lives of three different Torah High students with three different learning routines and one staff member, who has been rotating between remote and in-person teaching.
Frances Altes (THS ‘22), has spent much of the semester learning from home via Zoom. A typical day for her consists of back to back zoom classes, tutoring after school, and homework during her breaks. Despite her busy schedule, Frances feels the emptiness of the missing extra curricular event meetings. “The virus has taken away [...] in-person youth group meetings, sports, and community service opportunities.” Luckily the Torah High environment has allowed Frances to have some flexibility in her busy schedule as well as providing support during this difficult time.
“I am very grateful for the opportunities I am still offered despite the pandemic and for the efforts of my teachers to help keep me up to date.”
Learning remotely is challenging, however Frances choses to approach her situation with positivity and we miss seeing her contagious smile in-person.
Tzivya Rosenberg (THS ‘21), attends her daily classes in person. One aspect of the new learning environment that Tzivya finds challenging are the learning pods. As a senior taking mainly advanced level courses, she noticed that she hardly sees her friends in lower grades. However, sometimes as she is eating outside the classroom she is able to chat with other students traveling from class to class. Tzivya finds that despite this new challenge,
“the rigorous academic standards have been maintained by both the students and teachers.”
Rochelle Fradkin (THS ‘21), takes a variety of classes online in addition to her in-person instructed courses. Last year the pandemic caused a major shift in Rochelle’s learning environment. She had to adjust to a life of school on Zoom and found that online learning was a bit of a struggle. However,
“All the support of the staff and everyone learning to adjust together, it made it all very easy.”
Now that she is back at school in person, she feels grateful that Zoom is now an option, not a requirement. Rochelle looks forward to coming to school for some of her classes and interacting with her friends and teachers.
Mr. Barger (AP Psychology), has been teaching remotely, as well as in person instruction. He notes that the major difference between online learning and in-person teaching is the ability to establish rapport with students. “There is a much livelier energy with in-person learning.” He finds that students in a classroom with the teacher present tend to participate and focus on a higher level, as well as regularly involve themselves in discussions. Mr. Barger also teaches at a local public school and mentioned that, “the level of engagement at Torah is much higher during the pandemic than at my public school, whether it is online or in person”. Though we are very pleased to hear that Torah High students’ attention spans are longer than the average middle schooler, this year has still been challenging for our students. Mr. Barger predicted the challenge of online learning and modified his curriculum to give all students an equal learning opportunity, by converting assignments to be completely digital. Despite the challenges of learning during a pandemic, for students and teachers, the administration ensures that everyone in the Torah High family feels supported. Mr. Barger notes,
“If we have any needs to teach remotely and make any adjustments to our schedule, Torah High has been more than accommodating. It is very refreshing”
It’s been a challenging semester, but as always Torah High students have prevailed. Though each student, and staff member, has their own unique challenges there is one thing we all have in common; the supportive Torah High atmosphere. The tireless efforts of our administration, as they work to ensure our safety, does not go unnoticed. No matter how big or small our problems may seem, Rabbi Peikes, as well as the rest of the administration, is always there to guide and support us. Though this past semester has been quite a rollercoaster of events, we are so lucky to have the Torah High family on the ride with us. We are looking forward to another amazing semester!
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