As schools around the country reopened following the rise in COVID-19 cases after winter break, many students found themselves in virtual school or under new mask mandates. LISD, however, reopened as normal, and as coronavirus case notifications continure to roll in, many students reported concerns.

“Going to school during the COVID climate makes me nervous all the time,” junior Inaya Jabbar said. “I’m worried that the people who don’t take this as seriously as it should be taken can have detrimental impacts on people who COVID may impact a lot harder than others.”

A year of virtual learning last year left many reluctant eager to return to in person learning. But as the number of cases within VHS rise into the dozens, some students have changed their minds.

“Virtual school sucked,” freshman Meredith Niles said. “But at the same time, if that’s what we need to do to keep everyone safe, I don’t have a problem with going virtual for a little while.”

In the past week, over 800 COVID-19 cases have been reported to LISD, with 50 of those attributed to Vandegrift. This number includes staff, putting strains on an already low supply of substitutes. Members of staff such as janitors and bus drivers are of even lower supply, leading to crowded buses and an inability to properly sanitize school.

“We believe most students learn best in-person and inside our classrooms,” LISD Chief Communications Officer Corey Ryan said. “Our campus administrators, district administrators, and other school support staff will be substituting while upholding their normal daily duties. We are all pulling together to fill in and support our campuses, classrooms, and students where needed.”

However, many students question how a level or normalcy can ever be achieved during COVID-19, whether or not schools stay open.

“I’m thinking about COVID whenever I’m at school,” Jabbar said. “I wish I didn’t have to worry about it, and that my only thoughts would be about learning at the time.”

As Austin remains in stage five, students with COVID-19 concerns will be watching LISD closely.

“I really hope that we don’t get to a situation where they have to take action like that,” Niles said. “But I am worried that we’re already in that situation, and it might be too late.”