After nearly two months into the new year, COVID-19 is still a threat to the world. In this new year, new changes from the New York City Department of Education were made to prevent the virus and  keep the school and community safe.  

One was the distribution of free COVID-19 rapid test kits to anyone who was in close contact with someone that tested positive in school. These rapid test kits make it faster for WJPS staff and students to know if they tested positive for the virus.

These changes protecting our school community make most students feel safer in the building than the year before. 

“I believe it made us feel safer as students, teachers, and staff members,” stated WJPS junior Giovanni Duran. 

“The new COVID test kits definitely help me feel safer because I know schools want to help students, but I think sometimes there are days where school shouldn’t be open because of many teachers being out, plus the weather making it harder,” added WJPS junior Ameen Afroz. 

Other ways we can make ourselves feel safe are correctly wearing our masks, washing and sanitizing our hands frequently, reducing any form of physical contact with others, social distancing when possible, and staying home when you are feeling sick or receiving a positive result from the rapid COVID-19 test kits.