Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) opened their doors again for the second wave of students hoping to do virtual learning on campus. According to the district Department of Research and Evaluation, only seven percent of the Westwood student body chose to return to campus, while the other 93 percent of students chose to stay at home for virtual learning.

Currently, students are sectioned off into ‘learning pods’ where they remain for most of the day. Students will be able to transition to their fine arts, athletics, career and technical education, and physical education classes. The district will then monitor the positive COVID-19 cases. If the cases don’t have a spike, students will be able to resume a traditional schedule on Monday, Nov. 9 and all teachers will be required to teach virtually at school.

“In-person learning is about how I expected it to be,” Jerry Deblois ‘23 said. “We are in class, not moving around, just doing the work in class. One thing is that the teacher in the classroom is talking to their class, which can get a bit distracting.”

To maintain social distancing procedures, Westwood has implemented many safety precautions. For one, to reduce large group gatherings after school, outside areas have been marked for families and students to wait. All entries are also closely monitored. Once entering the building, students head directly to their ‘learning pods’ to prepare for the day. If a student is picking up breakfast, they will head to the cafeteria, pick up their food, and head straight to their ‘learning pod’ to eat. Posters and floor markings have also been hung and marked throughout the school leading to designated entry doors, exit doors, and traffic patterns to classrooms.

“We are very hopeful that conditions allow us to move toward a more traditional school day, but will remain vigilant in protecting the health and safety of our staff and students,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Flores said in a news release. “We will continue to monitor public health conditions and consult with our local health authorities to guide next steps.”

Once in the classroom, students will find desks and tables distanced from one another. If using tables, plexiglass will be used to divide each student’s workplace. Students will continue to do virtual learning, with a teacher monitoring the room.

“I think, given the circumstances, they are doing the best they can do,” Deblois ‘23 said. “They are trying to minimize the spread of the virus, which is good. I’m just ready to move into the next phase where we can move about our classes.”

Even though these circumstances aren’t ideal compared to previous schedules, many students on campus have expressed their gratitude for teachers and staff for handling everything as smoothly as they can. For more information and possible updates visit RRISD’s Reimagining Education website.