Yarmouth High School adapts to Cumberland County's “yellow” designation
by Cat Jordan
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
On December 18, 2020, after 436 new COVID-19 cases in a single day, Governor Janet Mills moved Cumberland County moved into the “yellow” designation for COVID-19 and mandated hybrid learning, but the small Yarmouth community continues to keep schools open and cases down.
Although Yarmouth High School is already doing the hybrid learning method, there are still some difficult changes that the school has to face during these unusually hard times.
“Just as the winter season was about to gear up, the yellow designation forced us to suspend all after school activities outside of the school day,” Vice Principal Amy Bongard said. “I think this shift, especially since the yellow was renewed for another two weeks on December 31, has had a significant negative effect on students and the many staff who coach or advise clubs, too.”
It is unknown when or if Yarmouth students will get winter activities back. It is especially hard for the current seniors at YHS in their last year of High School. Reflecting on the cancellation of hockey and in-person practice for Playmakers, senior Abby Hill said, “It's sad not being able to participate in my favorite activities, but I know it is important to try to lower our cases, and keeping activities postponed is a good way to do so.”
Some staff and some families have decided in the last few weeks that in-person teaching and learning is not a good fit. But, it could be for a variety of concerns, not just the yellow designation. Some students have also gone fully remote at home during the last month as well.
Students like Hill are sad that they can’t participate in their activities, but are understanding of the situation.
“Our school does an amazing job at enforcing the rules,” Bongard said, “and our students do a great job at listening. On the in-school days I have never seen students or staff without a mask on when they’re not supposed to be wearing one.
Bongard is proud of the staff and students. “This is such a hard year,” she said” and we know everyone is struggling to some degree, but I also see masks being worn, relationships strengthening, our safety net tightening, and everyone willing to try new things, be vulnerable, and learn together.”