![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-1200x900.jpeg)
![The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_4906-1-1200x1057.jpg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-1200x900.jpeg)
![At Prairie View High School, the winterguard team poses with their plaque after winning first place at their competition Feb. 24. This was the second time they won first place this year, this time with a score of 74.190 points. “I [love being] a witch, but my favorite [part of the show] is the trios, it’s so cool,” Heather Strickland ‘27 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PRARIE-VIEW-BY-MARGO-SANFORD-e1709531739910-1200x910.jpg)
Back to the Books
Students, teachers, and counselors share their thoughts on coming back to school.
September 10, 2021
- Waking up earlier than your body is used to.
- The workload that is suddenly put upon you.
- Balancing school on top of sports and activities.
- Keeping yourself healthy while changing your routine.
These are some of the reasons why coming back to school may be hard on students, teachers, and counselors.
25 students of all genders and grades took a survey about returning to school, answering questions about how coming back has affected them mentally, the workload, and the best and worst parts of their day. 100% of students said coming back has increased their stress and anxiety. Workload in classes, social standards, and amount of homework were the most common answers to what is the most stressful part of school.
“The most stressful part of school is trying to manage all of the school work, sports, and social aspects. I think the school could limit the homework and allow more grace towards students,” Lizzie Watabe ‘25 said.
Not only do students have trouble coming back to school, but some teachers have also had a hard time coming back from a long time off from a close-to-normal school year.
“Coming back to school has been two-sided. [It’s] exciting that we get to be here, back in person, learning together, and not having to do google meets. On the other hand, getting used to the new “normal” has been yet another adjustment,” World History and Geography teacher, Amy Hommel said.
Besides teachers and students, counselors have also been involved in the back to school process.
“I believe the most stressful part of coming back to school, for counselors, students, staff, and everyone, is the uncertainty around education in the past 18 months...Counselors generally feel stressed about needing more hours in the day to be able to do all we can to help, however, we are fortunate to have amazing leadership and support from Rock Canyon,” a counselor at Rock Canyon, Rachel Wagster said.
To combat the stress that the start of the school year can cause, the counselors have provided some tips.
“For academic stress, students should use access, there are amazing teachers at Rock Canyon who would do anything to help students succeed. For personal/social stress be mindful of your feelings and come to the counseling office for help, we have a plethora of resources,” Wagster said.
![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-600x450.jpeg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-600x450.jpeg)
