A virus that has killed thousands of people as well as physically and emotionally harmed others combined with the start of a new school year, COVID-19 coronavirus has drastically changed students’ everyday school routine.

Students of Wylie ISD had the option of remote or on-campus learning. Nearly 60% of students returned to on-campus learning.

Senior Brianna Kim chose on-campus learning due to the fact that she is a new student.

“I decided to go to school because I personally would have no motivation to participate in school if I was online. I’m also new so I wanted the opportunity to make friends,” Kim said.

She, along with many others, do acknowledge the risk factors of being at school. 

“I think it’s still somewhat of a hazard to be at school. Not completely safe, especially with a lot of people not caring about the pandemic as much as others via not wearing masks correctly and not social distancing,” Kim said. 

Students decided to stay at school unless a first case appears to preserve their health.

“As of now, I will continue to go to school. However, if [the] coronavirus pops up for the first time, then I think I will switch to remote learning,” she said.

For most teachers, planning out lessons that correspond with remote and on-campus learning is a struggle.

“I wish we could arrange for more planning/prep time because many of our lessons need to be rethought and it takes time for that,” physics teacher Mr. David Shipp said.

A majority of the people who chose to do on-campus learning did it for the interaction and to be able to see their friends. On the other hand, others did it because they were tired of being at home. 

“I hope that the school will implement some stricter precautions to make sure people don’t have Covid-19 (especially when students come back to school after any time of breaks or holidays). A health screening form is not enough, and people can easily lie,” Kim said.