Junior Avery Dutcher has not had to change much of his schedule in the change to virtual school as a result of COVID-19. Instead, he has had to manage his time in a way that works best for him.
Dutcher has to help take care of his siblings and complete chores throughout the day. Dutcher said that due to him getting more sleep this new schedule was not as hard to get used to as he may have expected.
“I have chores I have to do: mowing the lawn, dishes, trash, etc. I have three younger sisters that I have to help watch every day, I also help with their school work,” Dutcher said.
While some would say that online school is harder, Dutcher disagrees due to the greater length of time to complete work.
“Overall it has been easier except in history, It’s like getting a week to do a daily assignment,” Dutcher said.
The biggest difference in Dutcher’s lifestyle in not being able to spend time with his friends. Therefore, his daily routine has changed.
“I usually wake up around 12 p.m., then go straight to my school work, after that I watch my little sister so that my mom can get some work done then I do whatever I want till around 12 12 a.m. and then I go to bed.” Dutcher said. “Because I am not being able to spend time with my friends I am on my phone on a lot and binge-watching shows”.

In self isolation junior Claire Preheim has taken it upon herself to create a daily schedule that helps her stay focused and organized. While being away from her friends can be tough, Preheim takes this time to focus on her studies and other responsibilities.
Preheim starts her day with her homework and works for about three to four hours each morning.
“I usually try to get my schoolwork done early compared to the scheduled times for classes in school, so I can focus on certain subjects for as long as I need,” Preheim said.
While Preheim would say that online schooling has not been easier nor harder, the level of difficulty depends on the class and the assignments that week.
“Some classes have more work to prepare us for tests that are coming up while some are a bit more relaxed,” Preheim said.
Along with school work, Preheim has other responsibilities to be completed throughout the day, including chores and engaging in personal time.
“ I usually wake up around 8 a.m. every morning to start any work I have that day and finish at around 11 p.m. or 12 p.m., depending on the subject/assignment and then I can relax or do other things I have planned,” Preheim said. “I try to tidy the house every day, I practice my viola for my lesson/orchestra practice, try to paint and talk to my friends”.

Senior Atlanta Lopez not only has to make sure she has all of her school work done but has to juggle having a job and babysitting. Lopez keeps up on her work by keeping a schedule that corresponds to her busy days.
Lopez works twice a week and babysits every day and occasionally on weekends.. On days that she spends little time at her own house, she has to work her schedule to fit such time constraints.
“I usually wake up around 10 a.m. or so when I have work that day so that I have time to do my homework because I have work at 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. so I am usually not home till 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.,” Lopez said. “I try to space out my classes each day because I have work and I also babysit most days when I do not have work.”
Lopez has had experience with online work due to taking college courses through Hutchinson Community College (HCC), which she said has helped her in the transition to online learning.
“I think at some points it’s easier because I can do it on my own time but once in a while it gets hard when I don’t understand an assignment or don’t have the motivation to do my work,” Lopez said.
While Lopez spends most days tending to other responsibilities, there are days that she can make plans for herself.
“On the days I’m free and have time to myself I am doing crafts or if it is nice outside I will take my dog on a walk, clean out my car, go cruising and sometimes I will even do homework on the porch,” Lopez said.