With the beginning of the new quarter, students have been feeling more comfortable with their daily school functions, working harder to improve their grades and utilizing their time wisely for assignments. 

“I think quarter two is going a lot smoother,” Assistant Principal Kendra Kelley said. “Students are used to the protocols and procedures at this school; however, we do have to remind students of some basic things on a daily basis. Certain things such as wearing their masks properly, wearing their ID’s at all times, and also since it’s getting cold outside, not wearing hats and hoods inside, but otherwise, I think we are on the right track.”

Although some students have been able to better manage their time, many who have been working and managing higher division classes are under pressure. 

“This quarter has been pretty tough, actually,” senior Ralph Qunito said. “When people say senior year is easy, it depends entirely on the classes you choose, and the open periods you have. I have one open period, but four dual credit courses and I work. Quarter two has had a lot of summative work, events, and important things happening all in the first two weeks, which I know is stressing out pretty much everyone. However, we should have some breathing room coming up soon and hopefully some more time to relax within the quarter.”

With students back on campus, many clubs have returned to in-person meetings, and have become more interactive with an increase in volunteering opportunities and fundraisers. 

“I am in HOSA and Key Club, two clubs I thoroughly enjoy participating in,” sophomore Angelynne Tiangco said. “I wish that clubs were held a little bit more often because I love meeting new people and helping the community/school in any way I can. I enjoy volunteering and doing things that I wouldn’t usually do on my own personal time. It’s a lot better to be out and about than being stuck in your room doing nothing.”

With heavy COVID-19 protocols, some club board members have been finding it harder to thoroughly enjoy doing activities. 

“I’m in PSU and Key Club, and for PSU we’ve been going pretty well,” junior Vassily Tan said. “We just had our first successful general meeting for PSU. Regarding Key Club, there’s been some rough patches regarding covid restrictions on some of the events, but we make do with what we have.”

Many junior and senior nursing students are preparing for their clinicals starting next week while others will be going in the spring. 

“Despite not having to experience them myself, I know a lot of the seniors view clinicals as a great opportunity, but also hard work,” Quinto said. “The seniors right now are relearning their nursing assistant tasks, and videoing said tasks to ensure they’re doing them correctly. Next semester, plenty of seniors will be going to long-term care facilities to take care of actual residents, which I’m sure they’re going to be enthusiastic and prepared for.”

As the semester advances, many students are looking forward to the holidays and other days off.

“I think I’m looking forward to all the breaks that we get this quarter,” Tan said. “I know for a fact that there’s going to be a bunch of stuff due in the third and fourth quarter, so definitely all the breaks this term. Plus there’s black friday, thanksgiving break, winter break, etc., which is definitely the best part of the school year.”