Junior reporters interview…over the phone

The coronavirus is not dampening people’s spirits. Anica Gruber is one of those people. She is a ninth grader at Champlain Valley Union High School and we came to her with questions.

How are you feeling about having no school?
Well, super happy, I like being home from school.

What do you think would be the best course of action?
Probably just closing everything for three weeks, it’s helping a lot, so yeah. It’ll probably keep everyone healthy.

What are you doing and what do you recommend for the homeschooling situation? 
My school is doing an online thing that we’re starting next Monday, so all kids should do the online programs that the school gives them, so they won’t be behind on anything.

Any tips?
Just stay indoors and avoid contact, for sure.

What would you tell someone with the coronavirus?
“Conversations are not canceled,
Relationships are not canceled,
Love is not canceled.”

Here is the entire text of this, which was sent and read over the intercom on Monday by CVU Principal Adam Bunting:
Conversations will not be cancelled.
Relationships will not be cancelled.
Love will not be cancelled.
Songs will not be cancelled.
Reading will not be cancelled.
Self-care will not be cancelled.
Hope will not be cancelled.
May we lean into the good stuff that remains.

How do you feel about this quote?
I don’t know, I just thought I’d remember it, it feels like it’s also good to know that everything’s not canceled, delayed, and that hope isn’t lost, like we’ll get past this.

Do you have a relatable situation?
I have like older people I know with mental injuries, and I talk to grandparents over facetime a lot.

How do you stay in contact with people like teachers?
I take lessons with my violin teacher over Skype, and that definitely helps. We’ve just started this unexpected break and I’m already searching for things to do. Three weeks and not going in public don’t exactly mix. We need things to keep us busy!

Meanwhile, all we’re doing to prevent more cases is working. Staying out of contact is best for our health, even if it may be lacking excitement. Local businesses are taking disinfectant seriously. Everyone stay happy and healthy for now, and come up with some ideas to entertain yourselves.

Amelie Fairweather is a member of the Junior Reporters Club at The Charlotte News. Interested children can email Chea Waters to participate.