Bear River Leadership struggles with communication and organizing events through Zoom in light of distance learning, but has high hopes to continue with many other activities once students return to school including the Jungle Dance and other events.

Senior Emily Telles explained some of the problems Leadership had been dealing with this year.

“It’s very evident that this year with distance learning has changed the vibe of the whole school,” Telles said. “I think one of the main issues Leadership has faced is the fact that we can not be in person. Leadership is all about being active and encouraging the student body to take part in events, and if we can’t see people, it’s hard to do those tasks.”

Leadership teacher Matt MacDonald elaborated further.

“It’s been a big change. A lot of our class is predicated on having students here and doing activities,” he said. “We probably spend more time getting ready for the events when we can have them. We’re getting some good ideas ready, we just got to get approval on these things now.”

Leadership has had to adapt to changes this year that they have never faced previous years.

“In the past, we were obviously in person and could discuss and come up with a lot more,” said Senior Klaire Wolford, ASB President.  

The Leadership class has been meeting on Zoom and communicating with the students through social media.

“Right now, we are relying heavily on our social media platforms,” Telles said. “You can find us on BRHS.Bruins on Instagram.”

A big question many Bruin students have is whether there is still going to be a Jungle Dance or Club Rush. Mr. MacDonald expressed his hopes for both of these events.

“We’re pretty optimistic,” he said. “Everything we’re hearing says that maybe by the time we get into spring  we’ll be able to have some variations of those things.”

Senior Justin McKim, ASB Vice President, agreed, adding that spirit days are still happening.

“We will still do spirit days and we are currently working on plans for the Jungle dance and Club Rush and have high hopes they will happen,” He said.

“We plan to have all the events we are missing when we return to school if the Board allows it,” Wolford added.

Despite distance learning, Leadership had planned their first online spirit day on September 18th, and plans to hold upcoming spirit days. 

“We had a spirit day last week on Friday,” said Wolford. “We had a class color spirit day and had great participation online.”

However, Mr. MacDonald expressed difficulty in having events like these.

“It’s hard for our leadership students right now because a lot of things that they want to do don’t have approval yet,” he said.

Telles advised students to keep up to date through social media.

“Make sure you are staying in touch with our social medias so you don’t miss upcoming events,” she said.

Leadership reported to be optimistic about the rest of the year, and aims to hold events with as much normality as possible.

“Our big plan and goal right now is primarily getting back to school so we can start planning and holding events we are able to do!” Wolford affirmed.

“There are several more plans so just stay tuned,” said McKim.

—Alec Hartman contributed to this report.