The ‘ New Norm ’ No doubt about it , COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways
By Patrick Karam Chieftain Staff
It is without a doubt that this school year has been tainted by the effects of COVID-19 on Brother Rice and its student body . The whole landscape has been altered by plexiglass dividers , masks , and one-way traffic in the hallways .
Students at first did not take a liking to the rules and regulations set in place to ensure our safety from the pandemic , but it seems more and more students are starting to warm up to the rules set in place .
“ At first it was a difficult change ,” said Senior Kaden Sotomayor , when asked if his feelings have changed since the start of the school year , “ but , over time , it has slowly become the new norm and now we just have to live with it .”
On the other hand , even though many students are starting to live with this “ new norm ,” students still are upset about being in school in the first place , especially as it relates to sports . COVID
has impacted Brother Rice sports profoundly , whether it be the cancellation of a season or students having to sit out due to contact-tracing methods .
Because of contact tracing , students must be quarantined for two weeks , even if they don ’ t have the virus itself . They are told to do so due to precautionary measures set in place by the Oakland County Health Department , thus leaving some student-athletes sitting on their couches at home , watching their team play against rival schools .
“ For the Seniors , it ’ s bad because of the way COVID has affected the regular season ,” said Football captain Gianni Dalimonte , a Senior . “ Key players have been held out due to COVID but , in the end , we just want to play football .” It seems the consensus answer these days is simply to take the punches and move forward . Most of us are finding a way to persevere and make the most of this odd situation .
St . Regis Parking Lot is a Problem
By Luke Washe
Chieftain Staff We ’ ve had enough . The students at Brother Rice have spoken , and no longer do we wish to continue the chaos of our Brother Rice parking lot . Our parking lot has always been quite difficult , but things have gone too far now that St . Regis blocks its entrance twice : not only at the end of the day , but now at the beginning , as well .
“ When I pull up to Lahser in the morning and see the line coming out of Rice extending to Plum Market and blocking traffic in the Maple-and- Lahser intersection , I cry .,” says Junior Drew Karcher , a new driver . “ Now when I show up to school 10 minutes early , I am five minutes late .”
The Atrium has been transformed into a “ makeshift ” cafeteria
Students aren ’ t the only ones affected by this .
“ This year , I have to leave 30 minutes earlier from my house to drop my children off at school , so I can get to class on time ,” says a Brother Rice teacher who wishes to remain anonymous . Why can ’ t Brother Rice work together with Regis to once again open the side entrance so traffic can be more fluently distributed ? Each morning , a faculty member or parent can oversee the side entrance to make sure that our students are driving with accordance and respect .
When discussing this situation , one thing to remember is that 35 percent of students are driven to school by their parents every day . Parents of Brother Rice students also have busy lives with
Brother Rice High School Chieftain Page 7 octob e r 2020
Photo by P Karam jobs that require punctuality each day .
“ My dad hates the parking lot ,” says Sophomore Evan Thornton . “ I find myself getting to school each day an hour early , but it is understandable . He has an important job and can ’ t be late .
“ However , I have two younger siblings that attend Malow Junior High , and they don ’ t have the same resources we have with the ARC for early students . Because of this , his morning is beyond hectic , putting all of us in unfair situations .”
In summary , our parking lot is a problem worth discussing . We at Rice have systems that create a great environment and enhance the lives of our students , faculty and families . However , we need to find a better solution to the problem in the parking lot .