The Black Knight Nation has lost its sense of community due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Covid-19 lockdowns forced the Charlottesville City Schools to be online for almost a year which caused a physical separation. Once students were allowed back into school things were not the same as masking and distance were enforced.  These preventative measures halted events that built strong communities such as pep rallies, powderpuff football, and various sporting events. Students alongside admin are now trying to bring the “fun” back into school, with the hopes of creating a stronger community.

The community aspect of school and CHS, in general, has been dramatically affected by the pandemic. When students were asked how it affected the CHS community, an anonymous eleventh grader said, “It made [students] not have enough school spirit.” School spirit creates a sense of belonging, community, and positivity which is not always present in our school. The lack of school spirit has come from being unable to hold large gatherings, such as the limited homecoming last year and no pep rallies. Not only has this absence of community dampened the mood around the school, but it has also played a contributing role in the violence and disruption in the hallways. When the principal, Mr. Pitt was asked about this change of mood and environment, “I think [it is a] part of it but think some of those things are a reflection of things you may see at home. I am not blaming the pandemic completely,” he commented. Once the violence begins in a school already without a community it will continue to struggle as people are scared and closed off.

Now, Charlottesville High School is attempting to rebuild the community aspect of our school.  Students have voiced a need for more activities that are fun and lighthearted, and the admin has been working hard within reason to make these events happen. A few events that have been happening have allowed a positive light to shine through the school day, such as dance parties during lunch. Sporting events and pep rallies have united the student body and created a unified mission of school spirit. These are just a couple of current events attempting to bring the students together.

Student-led activities have been bringing the community together.  A student suggestion that Knight Time Review received was, “We need a cookout and some after-school or BKT gatherings,” as this would allow students to come together. Along the same lines that student said, “trying to get the kids more involved because we are so separate and more after-school activities that aren’t clubs.” This would fill the distance created by Covid-19 within our student body.  CHS is striving to create a community where students are welcomed, supported, and enjoy coming to school. If you have any suggestions, please voice your ideas to teachers, staff, and admin, so we can work to make our community stronger together.