Dear New Providence High School Superintendent Dr. Micelli,

Since the start of COVID, the students (and staff) within New Providence High School have faced unprecedented challenges. Each individual in the district has been affected by the pandemic drastically. It is no secret that the majority of the students in the high school have struggled in some form or fashion with maintaining grades through these times. Last year, the administration was kind enough to cancel midterms and we (the student body) request that be the case again this year. The anxiety levels regarding the rise in COVID cases has already impacted most in NPHS, especially with no option to go virtual or restricted amount of time in the building (i.e. GL and Summit having half days). Holding midterm exams would only add to this distress. Being that the numbers of cases are only continuing to rise, countless students will not even be able to (safely) attend school to sit for the midterm exams. There would also be a pressure for those who may be feeling sick to come in regardless of if they have symptoms as to not be penalized for missing exams. While the teachers have been working to alter the past midterms for the past few weeks (during school hours/ classes), they also would need to be grading dozens of exams in around 48 hours, presumably regardless of if they or a family member is ill. It is evident that the school is severely understaffed right now due to COVID. Teachers have been out for multiple classes that would aid in our preparation for exams and since they cannot be in school, we do not receive that support. Nearly every high school (Summit, GLHS, UCTVS, SPF, WHRHS, Delaware Valley, etc) in the surrounding areas are choosing to abstain from giving their students midterms because they care and understand the toll that these exams would have on our mental health and well-being.