After over half a year of waiting, the Beaver Area school board authorized high school students to return to Beaver Area High School and did away with hybrid schedules for elementary and middle school.

The board voted 7-2 on a measure to allow for a four-day school week for all district students starting November 2 in a session held September 28.

But don’t get too excited about a three-day weekend or anything like that: Wednesdays actually are a virtual day similar to the current arrangement where students stay home and learn through Zoom or other online activities.

The vote came after a brief presentation from District Superintendent Dr. Carrie Rowe about the pros and cons about various methods of reopening, as well as data from a public opinion survey about how parents wanted to reopen the district. According to the survey, among all parents from each school, an overwhelming majority wanted to reopen school full time.

However, about 20 percent of parents surveyed said that they would prefer to have their students remain in a virtual arrangement—a choice they can opt for even when the school resumes face-to-face instruction next month.

Thankfully, students who stay home will be able to get an experience that is as close to the classroom as possible with the help of live-streaming. By filming and broadcasting classes directly to students, those who remain online are able to see exactly what those in the classroom see. To facilitate this arrangement, the school is in the process of procuring live-streaming equipment and upgrading the school's internet infrastructure.

One major challenge noted in the board presentation was that social distancing “cannot be achieved” with all students in the building, even with a 20 percent reduction in students. However, school board president Robyn Johnson believes that measures other than social distancing are adequate enough to keep students safe.

"In addition to regular, thorough cleanings of the facilities, students are required to wear facial coverings and have all been given plexiglass trifolds for use when seated," Johnson said.

Mrs. Johnson also stated, “We are first and foremost in the business of providing excellent education to the youth who reside in the Beaver Area School District. As a board, it was our conclusion that given the measures put in place, the only path to appropriately educate our students was a move to a four-day week.”

Senior Nick Mathias has the same opinion on returning to school as most students.

“I feel like I’m not learning much online. AP classes and online just don’t mix,” Mathias concluded.

However, not all students share this view. Some, like senior Josh Fogg, will continue their education at home.

“Aside from the health concerns of going back, I just vibe better doing school at home,” Fogg said.

One way or another, it seems that we'll all be seeing each other again November 2.