A Year In Review: GOA Conquered COVID-19

By Giselle Weiss ‘24

Looking back, this year has been far more complex than previous years. Golda Och persevered and proved to be resilient when it comes to tackling the unexpected. Although this year has arrived with its ups and downs, many accomplishments were made and numerous positive outcomes were uncovered.
“Throughout the year, the school has adapted their original policies to make them even more effective,” freshman Mimi Lebeau said. “For example, though the staircases were one way at the beginning of the year, they are now two ways. These slight changes help to make learning in-person smoother while still staying safe.” 

GOA implemented and repealed various guidelines to ensure the safety and practicality of everyday student life. For example, the ubiquitous use of computers in students’ daily school rituals has been appreiated by many. This simple yet effective procedure resolved the hassle of carrying loose papers and then losing them almost instantly. 
    “I have found that my assignments are more easily accessible because they are all on the computer. I am less prone to losing an assignment because it isn’t just sitting in a folder in my backpack,” freshman Talia Perlstein said. 
    Many students have been thoroughly enjoying this switch to paperless learning. The use of computers allows for organization and time preservation along with numerous other benefits. This is just one of the various new procedures that have made the life of students easier.
    Although there were undoubtedly numerous frustrating aspects of the past year, ideas that would never have previously been thought of are now taking shape to the benefit of the school and our students and teachers. 
    Eating lunch outdoors was adored by a majority of the student body.  Due to COVID-19, lunches outside have become the new norm, and when the weather is nice students really enjoy it. The fresh air allows for a refreshing break from the building.  
Lebeau said, “I’ve enjoyed eating lunch outside this year and would like to see that continue in years to come during the warmer months.”
Freshman, Avital Ely added, “I enjoy sitting outside when it is nice out. In the upcoming years, I would like there to be an option to eat outside when it is nice out to give us a chance for fresh air.”
Many students enjoy eating lunch outside when the weather is pleasant and would like to continue to have the outdoor lunch option even after COVID-19 is no longer a concern. Of course, GOA students also are looking forward to eating indoors again when it is safe to do so, during colder seasons.  
“I particularly enjoy eating outside when it’s warm, but not when it is cold. I do understand why COVID-19 makes indoor lunch a danger to the safety of the students, but I can’t wait for it to be an option again, hopefully next school year.” Finkel said.
    Overall, many are impressed by the success GOA has had while dealing with the pandemic. It could not have been easy to handle, and GOA took all necessary precautions to keep the students healthy while remaining in person.