The return of students to Panther Creek High School is still uncertain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, the entire first semester of high school students has been limited to virtual learning. The Wake county School System proposed two plans for the students and their families to choose from; plan B and C. Choosing plan B would mean learning in intervals of three weeks online and one week in-person learning. Choosing plan C would mean online learning for the remainder of the school year. PCNN interviewed a couple students to learn their thoughts on the returning to school plan.

There have been mixed reactions among the students in the Panther Creek community. According to a poll, 56% of students prefer online learning. However, many students prefer learning in person. When asked why, Shanaika Sequeira said, “I prefer to go back to actual school…because I learn better when I am around other people.” Although some students definitely prefer in person learning, other students claim that there are benefits to virtual learning. Sammy Tetegen, when asked about the benefits of virtual learning, said, “Staying at home. I don’t gotta go anywhere. I can just relax after I’m done. My bed is right next to me once I’m done with my work, so that’s always a plus.”

Regardless of the preference for online learning among the majority of students, 50% of students reported that they would not sign up for virtual academy next semester if given the chance. Currently, next semester is still uncertain concerning the way of schooling students in the Wake County System.