WOODBURY — With the return of in-person learning to Nonnewaug — and now the upcoming change back to a typical school day — there have been questions as to how this will affect the arts, including art students and students involved in the drama club. 

The drama club has been holding rehearsals using Google Meet and has struggled with blocking each scene and the choreography. In-person rehearsals could return once the full, seven-hour school day resumes March 8.

“I think it will be a change for some of us. It might take a while to get used to and seeing everyone everyday is different from what we are used to,” said junior Jordie Oliveira, the drama club choreographer. “I think it will be a good thing for drama. All of us don’t know each other that well, so this will be good for us.”

In addition to the effect this transition to in-person learning has on drama students, art students are dealing with going back to doing art in school again. 

Before winter break, art students had to adjust their classes to be online and had to do art on their own without the help that in-person classes provided them. Students think the return will help improve their artwork.

”I feel that going back is definitely going to benefit my artwork and overall productivity in my classes. I’m hoping that things will all work out and everyone can feel safe in the school environment and be able to work,” senior Emily Betkoski said. “Art is obviously very important to me and I am excited to be in the art room again. Being in person does help me to do more in terms of artwork, but it causes me anxiety knowing that some people may not be taking the virus seriously.”

Not only has this transition back to school affected students educationally, but it’s also impacted their emotional well-being. Students became accustomed to online classes and have dealt with the transition back to in-person classes, which can add stress.

Some students are excited about returning to the in-person model full-time.

“I personally think I will be so much happier and overall better being in person. With drama it will be easier to teach the choreography and block,” said Oliveira.

However, other students feel differently.

“I personally feel like it isn’t the time to go back to school; with cases rising and people not taking it seriously, it just doesn’t feel safe to me,” Betkoski said in January. “I am, however, hopeful because I know that being isolated is bad for many people’s mental health and coming into school may be beneficial for some of the students and staff.”

The transition and choice to go back to in-person learning will change a lot for students, but overall, it depends on each student as to whether this transition will be beneficial or not and if it will impact their classes and work, including other clubs and activities.