Andrew Hoang (8) spreads the word to Nathan Wong (8) about the temporary closure of school. Prior that day, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the Santa Clara County Office of Education held a press conference, in which all school within the county were instructed to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Nathan Wong said, “I think the closures were a good decision. Plus, we get a break.”

Mr. Barham gives his fifth period science class a lecture about the novel Corona Virus in place of the initial class plan, which was for students to continue working on their bridge projects. Students were originally given until the following Monday to complete their constructions, however because of the school closure, most students opted to take their projects home to finish and bring in when school resumes. Kailey Kleiner says, “I guess it kind of worked out. My group was on track, but the extra time will be nice because we can make our bridge even better.”

Hailey Ta (8), works on her get to know you worksheet in her new elective, art. Most students switched into new electives for the second semester that week after coming from a four day weekend. “Changing electives from Flight and Space to Art wasn’t that hard, actually,” Hailey said. “The classes are right next to each other, so I was able to transition pretty easily.”

7th and 8th graders walk from their 5th period class to their 6th period class during passing on Wednesday January 22, 2020. Wednesday was the first day back from the four day weekend. Monday was off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Tuesday was off for a teacher work day. “I always wish the 4 day weekends were so much longer, and it’s hard trying to get back into school after the break.” said a 7th grader, Lavina Baird.

David Ramos (8) boxes out Ethan Baucom (8) to get the rebound. Bryson Nguyen (8) stands there watching as the two A-team players go head-to-head to get the ball and pass it back to their teammate.

Callie Strain (8) hides Nicole Nguyen (8) during a game of hide and seek. Nicole and her friend, Ethan Nguyen (7) played this game often and soon began to involve other people in it. Mckenna Valenta said, “Nicole likes to hide behind us and pull us backwards. Yesterday, she pulled us all the way to the basketball court, but it was really fun.”

Alexandria Lozano (8) and Ava Mallo (8) show their Christmas spirit by sporting their cozy clothes on the Holiday Wear spirit day. “I got these presents from my friends, we were doing a gift exchange- Secret Santa, and then some presents weren’t from Secret Santa,” said Ava.

Sporting their History Department shirts, Mr. Guevarra and Ms. Varney look on to note-catching posters for an activity during a Wednesday-morning staff meeting on October 16, 2019. Ms. Varney coordinated the creating and ordering of the shirts for her department colleagues.