Students will venture back into the classroom for hybrid learning on Feb. 16 and 17. This hybrid schedule looks different than the first semester system, and students have mixed opinions on the switch.

In the new schedule, Hybrid 2.0, students attend in-person school every other day in an A/B format, and Fridays are no longer remote. They will also zoom into their classes on remote days.

The plan is to transition back to full in-person learning by March 1, according to a District 7 email. 

Some students think easing back into in-person learning was the right decision.

“I think going back to hybrid is really exciting and what most of us need,” sophomore Lauren Bruss said. “From the first semester, we’re all familiar with how hybrid works, and it is good that we aren’t being forced to immediately adjust to 100% in-person.”

Zooming into classes on remote days has caused controversy among students.

Senior Anna Kuene believes it will be beneficial. She said interacting with teachers every day will help students ask questions and understand assignments.

Other students think zooming will be awkward and time-consuming.

“The idea of having to pay attention to a Zoom while the teacher is also teaching in-person is crazy to me,” Bruss said. “It seems like it would be distracting to the teacher. It is too much to worry about. Overcomplicated remote days with Zooms seem like they won’t help me learn anything.”

Even with the complicated hybrid system, teachers are enthusiastic about their students returning to school.

“I think we really need some face-to-face time,” said social studies teacher Sairee Knabe. “It won’t be easy to manage quarantined students and the every-other-day thing, but I’m just happy to have students in class and will make whatever adjustments are necessary.” 

Knabe received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She said other teachers getting vaccinated will increase our chances of going fully in-person, and teachers and students staying healthy is the first priority. 

“I think it will feel safe in the school environment with masks and only half the students there,” Bruss said. “If anything, it’s safer for our mental health and those of us who cannot stand learning alone for many more months.”