Students Strive to Remain Open Minded About Teachers' Strike

As moves into , students said they are trying to keep an open mind concerning both sides, as they also try to keep up with their education.

"Our teachers tried to explain all of this to us in their point of view," said Cecilia Rasgado, a junior at LFHS. "It's very personal to them. … One of my teachers told us that in the past, his friends have stood up for something and he was very inspired by them." 

"After hearing a lot of points of views, I feel like I understand why they see [the strike] as a good thing," Clare Martin, also a junior, added. "But also, it's our junior year and it's one of the most important years of high school, academically. It's taken a toll on us as individuals, so it's been hard." 

Rasgado and Martin noted that they have been taking advantage of the college prep classes — which are offering students assistance on studying for their ACTs/SATs and writing their college essays — but attendance isn't mandatory, and they're concerned about making up for lost time once the strike is over and the traditional schedule resumes. 

"I hope they don't get upset whatever the verdict is, and they don't just pile on homework," said Farah Hasahim, a sophomore at LFHS. "I know that [Advanced Placement] classes have a certain amount of stuff that they have to squeeze in."

LFHS students will have to make up the time missed during the strike later in the academic year. 

The students noted that communication has been difficult throughout the duration of the strike, as they were told that teachers would not be responding to their emails, and they're relying on the school website (as well as other students' Facebook statuses) to keep them informed.

Lizzie Anderson, a sophomore at LFHS, noted that the strike has already begun to take a toll on students.

"There's a lot of rumors going around," Anderson said. "The first day, we were just happy we had a day off. If it goes on awhile, it will get very stressful to catch up."

Meg Martin agreed with Anderson, adding: "We haven't had a full week of school yet. I'm having trouble getting into the swing of things." 

Hasahim, Anderson and Meg Martin noted that they'd been spending the time off trying to stay on top of their school work, attending sports practices (some of which have remained as scheduled), shopping and watching movies, while also striving to remain engaged and informed throughout the strike.

"I definitely understand both points of view," Claire Martin said. "I might be a little biased because I'm a student, but it's important to keep a well-rounded view." 

Rasgado added, "I feel for everybody. I'm just going with the flow and hoping for the best."