On December 1st, 2021, the first reported case of the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus was reported in the United States. Since then, the variant has spread rapidly throughout the United States and around the world. Some say that this variant is the most contagious of the other variant’s of the Coronavirus. However, experts have also said it is one of the least dangerous variant’s compared to the others, especially if you’re vaccinated.

During the week of our winter break (the week of December 19th) and the weeks leading up to it, our town and especially our high school really saw the extent at which this virus was spreading.

Wayne Hills Junior Emily Sawyer experienced going to school during the week leading up to winter break. “The amount of people in school each day before break was insane. I mean by the last day, it seemed like there were more kids at home than actually in class. Every single period you would hear at least five names being called down to the office because of exposures. It was kind of scary. The worst part was when I would be sitting in class and certain kids around me began showing symptoms of Covid and had friends who had tested positive that they had been exposed to. I think winter break came just in time because it seemed like the entire school was infested with Covid.”

On December 21, 2021, Mark Toback, the Superintendent of Wayne Schools released a letter to parents explaining that there is the virtual learning option for students who need to quarantine, either because they have contracted Covid-19 or have been exposed, but there is no option to “opt for virtual instruction at any time.” This means that parents and students who are concerned for their safety cannot just suddenly opt to virtual learning without being exposed to Covid-19.

However, now that students are spending time with friends and family over winter break for the holidays, many are worried that the already rapidly spreading variant is going to increase ten-fold- or more.

Many are wondering if a two week quarantine for the district after winter break is necessary, due to the increase in traveling during winter break and the rising Covid cases because of that.

If we do return to school normally on the 3rd of January, how much of the school will be absent?