Extracurricular activities allow students to pursue interests outside of school, try new things, and learn various different skills that they may not acquire through just going to school. But with the Covid-19 outbreak, the way that these extracurricular activities work has significantly changed. 

The SWHS hybrid plan reads, “Students in the hybrid model are allowed to participate in after school sessions on the days they are not physically in the building. Similarly, students in full-time distance learning may also participate in after school sessions.After school athletics activities will generally begin from 2:30 pm on (at coaches discretion). Student-athletes are not allowed to remain on campus when the school day concludes at 12:30 pm and will require their own transportation to/from practices. Hardship circumstances can be discussed on a case by case basis with the Director of Athletics. All after school athletics will take place outside of school and reflect social-distancing measures and cohort assignments where feasible.”. 

The school is trying to maintain extracurricular activities , but social distancing rules make it very difficult. All students are required to leave the school at 12.30, when school ends, which makes it impossible for students to physically stay after for clubs. Most clubs, such as Model UN, are mostly online. 

Nethra Vijaykumar, student at SWHS, and a member of the Model UN club, says that, ¨The club has just recently started but it is going to be interesting to see how the simulation plays out in a virtual situation, especially since there is a lot of speaking and collaboration involved. I think the research that we are doing is preparation for the simulation is a lot harder for everyone because there is a lot less guidance. It definitely won’t be the same and it won’t be easy but i think we can all work through it for just one year.” 

Nethra brings up an understandable point; In clubs where communication is a core value of the club, trying to do it online, can be very difficult. SHe also mentioned that the club feels a lot more independent. 

Kunal Bagga, a junior at SWHS, and a member of Model UN, says that, “It’s definitely going to be a huge change from what weŕe used to be. With everything being virtual this year it not only makes it harder for kids to stay on top of things, but it’s just as hard on teachers to stay up to date with clubs and classes. Hopefully Covid will pass soon but I think that it shouldn’t be that bad and we’ll get through it this year. “

He mentions that with school being virtual, it can be difficult for students to keep up with work, and even for teachers, to run clubs efficiently. Both students mentioned that they think although Covid makes things a lot more difficult, they think it can be worked through for this year.