As winter and the holidays approach, the first semester of school will come to an end, marking the halfway point of an eventful return to classrooms. With this comes winter break, a chance for students and teachers to catch their breath from the semester. 

“I think it’s been a hard year for everybody… it’s been a real hard adjustment for everybody,” history teacher Kimberly Mitchell said.

Students share a similar viewpoint. 

“I think a decent job, but I could do better,” sophomore Briana Mills said. Briana also believes her fellow students had struggled this year as well. 

“A lot of people in my class slack a lot,” sophomore Gabriel Johnson said. “But I try to get my work done first.” 

Despite their struggles, Mitchell believes that it is a given with what’s going on in the world.

“The majority of kids really want to get back to the learning process,” she said.

Mitchell has faith in the students and said she has had her own struggles as a teacher this year.

“My plan was to do what I have done for the past seven years,” Mitchell said. “This year I’ve had to step back and reevaluate.” 

The end of the semester also brings the winter break, where many students will keep themselves busy. 

“Just get ready for [baseball] season,” Gabriel Johnson said. “Season starts as soon as we come back, so just get ready for that.” 

“I plan on doing all the cool things,” Briana said regarding her break.

She, along with many other students, will use the break to relax and have fun. 

Teachers plan to use the break time to plan for the coming semester.

“I think over the break I need to find new ways to motivate and encourage the learning process,” Mitchell said.