The Plexiglass Problems

by Zavier Campsey

The plexiglass protocols were confusing during the event during the first nine weeks of the third quarter. But what exactly happened? The plexiglass barriers were used as Chad Springer, principal of AHS said, “provide additional protection for students and staff.” This was because the school is unable to guarantee six feet distancing in all classrooms. Springer says “The money came from federal funds” meaning the money was from covid relief funds provided by the government. He included that it cost “roughly $60,000 for the entire district.”

The barriers seemingly vanished overnight, going from mandated to optional in a day. Springer saying it was because “The CDC changed its guidance after students returned for in-person learning four days per week. They specifically stated that student barriers were not required.”

When asked about why the district chose barriers over air purifiers, Springer said, “Due to the current status of many of our HVAC units, the air purifiers have been proven to be cost-prohibitive. We're looking at improving our HVAC systems over the summer.”

On the non-medical side of school, the barriers were a problem for some students. As Brayden Kish, a sophomore at AHS says, “having to hear them moving during classes, and then being knocked off desks were distracting.”

But they didn’t seem to be much of a hassle outside of the classroom, Kish says, “I didn’t really mind it, but it got to the point that it was annoying because they weren’t used in any classes.” Though for some it wasn’t the hassle, but the harm of carrying them. According to Kish, “I heard of kids getting cut by the barriers” and some teachers taping the edges of the barriers to protect from cuts.

The barriers served their purpose for their short-lived time. But they gave protection for crowded in-person classes and gave some students and teachers peace of mind.