Wantagh HS Sends Positive Message To Students Amid Coronavirus

WANTAGH, NY—As students in Wantagh adapt to learning outside the classroom, away from their classmates and favorite teachers, the faculty and staff at Wantagh High School are making sure their students know that they are thinking of them - and that though things may seen uncertain right now, it will get better.

"No buses are pulling up. No morning announcements at the start of the day. No clubs have met. No teams are practicing. No rehearsals. Everything feels different," Heather Naughton, a drama teacher at the school, wrote in a video she created and uploaded to YouTube this week.

Long Island students learned Friday that they won't be heading back to a classroom anytime soon following Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announcement that New York K-12 schools are to remain closed until at least April 15.

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With the help of fellow teachers and faculty, Naughton created a video montage set to the song, "Rise Up" by Andra Day. In the video, WHS teachers can be seen holding signs that include inspirational messages of hope.

"Corona is trying to steal your youth. Steal it back. Ride your bike, play board games, watch old movies and STAY HOME!" reads a sign by Marie Malafis, a teacher at the school.

"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light," another teacher's sign reads.

"Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing, you get the choice," another teacher's sign reads.

As the video approaches the end, in bold letters, Naughton reminds students that the staff and faculty at Wantagh High School believe in them and look forward to once again seeing their smiling faces.

"We can't wait to see you. Together, we rise. We are warriors," she writes.

According to the Wantagh Schools' website, the district plans to be closed until Monday, April 20.

Video message to Wantagh High School students:

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