The conversation on distance and hybrid learning started up again at the beginning of the second semester with the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Back in January, schools around the country were sending students back home to prevent the spread. 

In the state of California, it is currently not legal to return to distance learning due to Assembly Bill 130, which was passed in summer 2021. It requires that schools may maintain an independent study program, but they cannot make all students go back to that system. (Desert Sands Unified School District offers Horizon School as the virtual academy/ independent study program.)

However, some students still have varying opinions on how the pandemic should have been handled in schools back in January. 

“I think that they should be stricter. I think it just needs to be enforced more. Just remind kids like, yeah, you got to keep these [masks] on at all times,” Max Carrera ‘24 said. 

He also stated that if he had a choice in January, he would have chosen to go back to distance or hybrid in order to stay safe.

Samuel Apodaca ‘23 agreed with him. 

“I wouldn’t care if we went back to distance,” Apodoca said after winter break, “whatever keeps people safe.” 

Frida Cabrera ‘25 brought up an important point: “What will we do if people don’t report their COVID results? I’ve seen many kids take the tests here at school and come out positive, and no one does anything.” 

Her statement came during the time students in California were given COVID rapid tests to take home. 

Cabrera said she and her friends enjoy being back in person; however, she was open to hybrid learning after winter break to slow the spread. 

Not everyone was as critical, though, noting that teachers played a part in ensuring safety. 

“I think that they are doing a good job,” Amariah Chavez ’23 said. “More teachers are enforcing masks. I’m in dance and the dance teacher is making sure we’re not touching each other, and when we do, we’re wearing gloves.” 

Chavez prefers in-person school because her two younger brothers were a huge distraction when trying to learn. 

Giovonny Flores ‘23 also thinks that things went well in January. 

“I don’t know anyone who’s gotten sick and teachers are enforcing masks. I’d go back to distance if I had to, but it’s easier to learn at school,” Flores said. 

Many students agree that going back to distance or hybrid, while not their favorite option, can be helpful to keep people safe.

Not everyone has the ability to attend the school district’s distance option, Horizon School — as it does not have the same programs as La Quinta High School, and not everyone can stay at home all day for school.

Student opinions on in-person vs. distance learning were diverse and affected by many different circumstances. Factors such as family, internet access, class preferences and programs affect the type of learning they prefer. 

The incoming removal of the mask mandates in California schools next week is certainly going to change those even more. 

The same students were asked about their thoughts on the new rules via email correspondence. 

“I’m [kind of] torn on the removal of the mandate,” Carrera wrote. “On one hand, I’m glad it’s happening because everyone hates the masks. But on the other hand, I think it’s a bad idea and will cause another spike in cases,” Carrera said. 

“Personally I think it’s a bit odd to do it since we’re still in a pandemic,” Apodoca wrote, “and since LQ is quite a big school, I think cases will go back up. I’ll still keep my mask on.”

Others feel more neutral. 

“I feel like no matter what people choose to do, it should be respected,” Chavez said. “I hear what other people are saying, the good and the bad.”