For almost a year now, there have been a lot of ongoing issues in the world. Grayslake has been on lockdown on and off several times. A worldwide movement has been acted upon, and many lives have been lost due to COVID-19. Students have been remote learning since March 2020. 

There are obvious questions and concerns students may have during times like these. Staff members are ready to provide answers and help to those who seek it.

“Via Zoom, student services staff can meet with students one to one to help them get organized, understand their schedule, set alarms to get up for class and remember to go to class. Just helping students get organized so they understand what they have to do each day.  We can also help them understand how to use the virtual ARC and virtual SWAT tutoring,” said dean Linda Vecchie. 

When in times like these, Grayslake North comes together as a family to make sure students are happy and informed. When in school, students interact more with peers, and it brings some type of happiness now. With this drastic change students had to adapt to, being alone can really take a toll

“I think the lack of routine (the routine of getting reading and leaving the house) can get people in a rut. I think not being around other people is not good for our mental state. The lack of community and camaraderie is hard. I imagine students are feeling really disconnected. We are lacking shared experiences, even just the little funny things that happen in the hallways. Kids are lacking the experience of making a new friend from class. A lot of people right now lack physical activity which is not good for the mental state. I personally think there is no substitute for the company of others, fresh air and movement for our mental state,” Vecchie said. 

With that being said, making changes like this can affect the mindset. And maybe with others, it helps in a positive way. 

“Over the past several months, multiple events (e.g., racial justice movement, presidential election) have occurred in our country that have generated strong emotions and opinions, and left many people feeling unsettled. These events have called attention to important issues such as racism, systemic inequity, and the democratic process, and some of these events have resulted in violence. Of course, these events have all transpired during an ongoing pandemic, which has generated its own backdrop of chronic stress and anxiety, as well as widespread economic challenges. As a result, many students may be struggling to maintain positive mental health during this time,” Dr. Wes Clevenger, school psychologist, said.

 With the ongoing and never settling world-wide problems, it really does have an effect on one’s mindset and the way students function daily. 

“As a school, it is very important for us to maintain a collective sense of a positive school community. Students do best when they are able to learn within a safe and supportive learning environment, in which everyone feels respected, heard, and valued. It is healthy to share differing points of view using respectful dialogue, while seeking common ground and shared goals,” Clevenger said.

Dr. Clevenger stated that school may be the best environment for students because it allows students to learn and communicate with peers rather than sitting behind a screen for hours.