Summer school amid the changing tide of the pandemic can be a hard switch from the COVID-19 school year, but it’s one that Nixa high school summer school students are tackling.

   With the lifted mask mandate due to the decline in COVID numbers, students and teachers are able to freely walk around without a mask. 

   “It’s definitely been different,” Jody Willis, high school 101 teacher said. “I still put mine on sometimes because I want to be polite to other students.”

   The removal of masks has been enjoyed by most students.

   “It is weird, but it’s stress-free,” Levi Strobel, junior said. “I don’t have to worry about bringing one or forgetting one, although it is nerve racking having to remember peoples’ names because when I see their face I forget who they are.” 

   COVID-19 pandemic regulations are not the only thing changed because of summer school, but having a summer school unlike last year is also different. Students are taking advantage of being back, enrolling in classes for various reasons. 

   “I like being outside of the house and actually doing and accomplishing something,” Levi Strobel, junior at NHS said. “I’m taking ACT prep in order to help me prepare as tests aren’t my biggest thing.”

   Most students are taking classes to prepare themselves for the 2021-22 school year. From test preparation to being introduced to the high school, all these classes have their benefits.

   “In high school 101 we learn about the building,” Abigail Muniz, freshman said. “I hope it can help me to be prepared for next year.”

   Summer school is a popular choice for students seeking to get credits as well, as taking only two classes a day can be a relief on work load.

   “I wanted to get credits before actually going into high school,” Shaleah Coleman, freshman said.

   Coleman believes that summer school can be used as an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year.

   “[I’m looking forward to] getting better grades from last year,” Coleman said. “[I’m surprised by] how easy it is.”

   Willis believes that summer school is a good way to slowly move into the school year and better prepare yourself.

   “I hope it gets students more comfortable in their high school life, and helps set them up for success in their high school career,” Willis said.

   For Strobel, summer school is a way to ensure he was motivated to get out of the house and get things done. 

   “A big part of the reason I joined was to get things done and not be at home and do nothing,” Strobel said.

   Summer school can be seen as a good opportunity for those seeking more credits, something to do or hanging out with friends.

   “Longterm, summer school will help me because I won’t have to take many classes during senior year,” Muniz said. “[I’m excited about] seeing a lot more people next year as well.”

   Without having a summer school the previous year, Strobel believes there have been changes to the way it works. 

   “They seem a little more strict,” Strobel said. “You can’t come and go as freely, as they want people to really stay and be at the classes they’re supposed to be at.”

    Summer school can be a different experience for everyone. Willis believes that, for incoming freshmen especially, the true key to success for high school is being a part of something, and summer school can help find your place.

   “Get involved in a club, sport, or some type of activity,” Willis said. “Get in the school culture, as that can make all the difference just by being invested.”