Few would disagree that the class of 2020 had a rotten end to their senior year. But some members of the class of 2021 feel they’ve been dealt an even worse hand.
On Monday, high school students in Jeffco Public Schools returned to hybrid learning, but some students say they’ve already lost too much of the year.
“You always dream about what your senior year is going to be like, you're going to be surrounded by all your friends,” said Jack Sommorwood, senior class president at Ralston Valley High School.
Instead, students have been in and out of the classroom most of the year, due to hybrid schedules and intermittent quarantines. Students say the back and forth has made it tough to succeed academically and socially.
“I definitely feel a lot more alone, because I don't get that social aspect that you get when you're actually in a high school and with your friends,” said Rachel Lucero, a senior at Arvada West High School.
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JeffCo, Denver and Cherry Creek Schools have started to bring back secondary students, in hopes of restoring some normalcy to the remainder of the school year. But in Douglas County, the school board decided to postpone the return to in-person learning until Feb. 8. Students aren’t sure if milestones like prom and graduation will happen as planned.
“I’m so hopeful for a graduation, that's the one thing,” said Ralston Valley senior Sadie Case.
Lucero added that while prom and graduation are big moments, she’s ready to move on.
“I don't know about many other seniors, but I’m just ready to move on and start my future,” she said.
