And just like that, the school year has come to an end. It’s been a long and wild ride but it’s finally come to a close with a light at the end of the tunnel for the following school year.

Students, teachers and staff were faced with meeting the challenges of virtual learning and then managing a hybrid learning model.

With great understanding and cooperation from our wonderful Salisbury staff and community, we were able to power through this difficult time.

Now that the 2020-2021 school year is over, students and staff are enjoying a restful summer. I caught up with some of the Salisbury High School teachers asking what their summer plans are, seeing as though they truly deserve some peace and quiet after a challenging school year. They’ve done so much for their students and deserve some vacation time.

“I started my graduate program. I’ve already started my course. I think we’re going to replace the carpets in my house so that will be fun. My family has a pool so I will probably be soaking up the sun and trying to tan, not burn,” English teacher Ms. de Conde said. She will be planning for the following school year and waiting to see her students’ faces once again.

“This summer, first and foremost, I will try to rest and recharge for the school year ahead. I work as a manager at Westwood Heights Swim Club and lifeguard as well. I am taking three graduate courses on my way to get my masters. I will be taking a vacation in Lake George, N.Y. and possibly some day trips to the beach. When I’m not doing that, I will be seeking out my students in their places of employment because I’ll miss them (in the most non-creepy way possible),” math teacher and coach Mr. Hahn said.

The boys soccer team will also have soccer workouts he will be leading. He is also a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. referee, so catch him outside getting a tan. He would like to add, “I will be working on my six pack ... due to arrive summer of 2021.”

Mrs. Schneider, another English teacher at Salisbury, said,“I’m an adjunct teacher at Desales University this summer. I am also taking multiple grad classes this summer. I will be reading, swimming and spending time with my children which I am looking forward to the most.”

Spanish and Biology teacher Ms. Dos Santos, explains, “I am actually hoping to get to Portugal to see my grandfather who will be turning 92. I am not sure of the specifics of my plan yet due to COVID, but I am planning on it since he has been pretty isolated himself the past year and a half.”

Last but certainly not least, History teacher and football coach, Mr. Cerco, said, “We have summer workouts for the football program. On June 27, we are going to a Mets game at Citi-Field with my children Gavin and Giana, my father and my uncle. I plan on taking a course on AP Psychology as this is the first year I will be teaching this course. After that our family plans to travel to Florida on the West Coast to a town called Manasota Key and Boca Grande. We will be fishing, boating and riding jet skis when we get to Florida. Finally, we begin fall sports practices for football Aug. 9.”

Thank you for keeping up with the student news. This will be my last column with the Salisbury Press. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to write for the paper; it has been a wonderful experience.

A special thank you to those who have been faithful readers of my column and supported me throughout this journey. Post graduation, I am planning on attending university to study music therapy. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my articles; it truly means the world to me.

Editor’s Note: We thank Gabriella for her excellent reporting of high school news. Gabriella will be taking next year to concentrate on her senior year.