COVID-19 Impact on Our Community

Empty halls at RHS.

Althea Olsen, Veritas Editor-in-Chief

March 17, 2020

Until April 7th, Rockland Public Schools will be closed in order to contain the ongoing crisis of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Beginning in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus rapidly spread throughout China’s nation, and quickly spread throughout Europe and the United States. As a response to the now declared pandemic, the United States has declared a national emergency and with each day that passes, the U.S. is issuing stricter guidelines to “flatten the curve” of the virus’ spread. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered all private and public schools to be closed for three weeks in order to contain the spread of the virus within Massachusetts. Along with the closing of schools, the MIAA, or the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association has decided that the beginning of spring sports will be delayed until April 27.

Precautions:

One of the major ways to keep personal hygiene and protection from the virus is washing the hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. Hand sanitizer with sixty percent alcohol is a great alternative for when soap and water are not applicable. The CDC recommends that individuals do not rely on hand sanitizer to keep them safe, and to wash hands when possible. The CDC also recommends to clean and disinfect surfaces often, and stay home if one is feeling unwell. Wearing a medical mask will only help if the individual wearing the mask is sick. Medical masks will prevent the spreading of illness, but will not prevent the gaining of it. Most importantly, cover the mouth when sneezing or coughing, and keep a six foot distance from individuals who appear to be sick.

Risk Factors:

Individuals over the age of 60 are most prone to more serious related illnesses from the virus. Those who are immunocompromised, including individuals with heart and lung disease and diabetes are in the most danger. In our local community, grocery stores such as Market Basket and Stop and Shop have established specific time frames within their store that are dedicated for those aged 60 and over. This creates a safer and more comfortable environment for those who are at larger risk for the virus. Check the websites of grocery stores for more information.

Individuals under the age of sixty with healthy immune systems will often have no severe cases of the virus. COVID-19 within younger, healthier individuals is compared to having the cold or the flu. In order to decrease the spread to those who are in greater danger, everyone is urged to keep a distance of six feet, called social distancing, and practice healthy hygiene.

Student perspective: 

Due to the possible cancellation and delay of spring sports, many seniors fear they will be unable to share their last memories on the field. Yesterday, the MIAA  announced that spring sports may be able to begin on April 27.

Schools across Massachusetts have also cancelled important events such as their proms and fundraising opportunities.  The RHS music and theatre department’s Mary Poppins that was scheduled on March 27 and 28 has also been cancelled. The College Board has cancelled the May 2 SAT testing.  Juniors should check their website for future testing dates.   For juniors and seniors AP exams are still scheduled. For more on AP tests, check here.

Here’s a small sampling of how Rockland High School students feel about all of this.

Junior Robert Ivil said, “Everyone and the media are making a huge deal about an evolved cold, but I am worried for my grandparents since they are a part of the high risk age.”

Billy Robinson, also a junior, believes that society is treating this as if it is the Black Plague, but believes that having no school is a positive step, since so many aspects of the disease are unknown.

Zachary Solomon says that he is very bored without school, and is worried for his grandparents since they are in the high risk age and have experienced past illnesses. Most of the students in Rockland believe school cancellation is a positive in order to contain the virus.

It is strongly advised that individuals follow quarantine rules to the best of their abilities.

During the school closing, Rockland High School will have free grab and go lunch available Monday through Friday 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the “Mainstreet” entrance of the  high school.

Dr. Alan Cron has also announced that administration and teachers have worked “to develop a district-wide, comprehensive ‘work from home’ plan for all students and parents. Also, the district will provide laptops or Chromebook computers to those who only have a phone to connect to the internet. Dr. Cron said those that would like to borrow a laptop should email their building principals.

If you are without internet service at home, Comcast is providing a 2-month free internet package for families. Information on the program can be found at http://internetessentials.com/.

Students and parents should check the RPS website for updates.

Girls’ Basketball Team Will Play At TD Garden on Weds. March 11

Captains Hannah Wyllie, Caroline Elie and Hannah Murphy with their So. Sectional Trophy on Friday night. Veritas photo

March 8, 2020

The girls basketball team, for only the second time in 20 years, will be playing in the Division 3 State Semifinals. The game will be on Weds. March 11 at TD Garden in Boston at 2 p.m.  Due to the timing, RHS Principal Dr. John Harrison has scheduled Wednesday to be an early release day at 12 p.m. so that students and staff can attend the game and support the girls.  Busses will be provided for all who wish to attend the game.  Principal Harrison said, “I feel this is a special moment for our school community.”

The girls advanced to the state semifinals by defeating Archbishop Williams on Friday night by a score of 53-37.  That game gave them the Division 3 So. Sectional title and a chance to continue to the State Tournament where they will face another private school, St. Mary’s of Lynn.   St. Mary’s played in the State Championship game last year.  They lost to the West Champ, Hoosac in that game.

Captains Caroline Elie, Hannah Murphy and Hannah Wyllie led the girls in the game Friday night as the team looked to avenge their loss to Archbishop Williams in the semifinals last year.  The team took care of business right away by going out to a 10-0 first quarter lead and continued to dominate the Bishops with suffocating defense and precision offense.

Coach Diana Newcomb said, “We followed the game plan exactly.”  Expect the team to be ready for another great game on Weds.

Information about busses will be available and the schedule for Weds. is below.  Go Dogs!!

Schedule for Early Release on Wednesday, 3/11- DAY 1 DROP F & G

8:00-8:41 A Block

8:44-9:25B Block

9:28-10:09 C Block

10:12-10:53E Block

Lunch and Class Time D Block

1st 10:56 – 11:16 Class 11:16-11:56

2nd 11:16 – 11:36 Class 10:56-11:16; Lunch; 11:36-11:56

3rd 11:36- 11:56 Class 10:56-11:36

**F will not meet!!

For students who have third lunch, they will be dismissed from the lunch room.

Photos from Friday night!

Bulldog fans were out in force Friday night in Taunton as the girls basketball team defeated Archbishop Williams 53-37 in the South Sectional Finals.