Students and teachers have mixed feelings about the new update on Genesis, where people cannot access their grades during school hours.

NVD Vice Principal Mr. Sollazzo said that the “Challenge Success” organization has collaborated with the school. The district has participated in numerous meetings and mentoring sessions, solicited input from students, parents, and teachers through questionnaires, and held a number of talks with the improvement of mental health and wellness being the major topic.

“After looking at all the major data and gathering feedback, we as a district decided that it would benefit the mental health and reduce the stress level of students, parents and staff if we removed the constant thought of having to check grades,” Sollazzo said. 

Although the district planned this update for the benefit of students, many heavily dislike it because they are used to checking their grades multiple times throughout the day, especially at school. Not being able to check frequently after doing so for a very long time, is inconvenient for students in all grades.

“Personally, I really don’t like the Genesis update because it’s really frustrating not being able to check my grades during school. I don’t think that should be restricted for students throughout the day,” junior Diya Desai said. 

Many teachers greatly favor the new update because they get bothered less about grades by students throughout the day. AP Physics teacher Mrs. Thompson along with most teachers have very contrasting feelings compared to the students.

“As a teacher, I like being able to enter grades anytime and not have to worry about students coming to me in the next few minutes to ask about them— This eliminates students coming to me immediately to complain or try to beg for points,” Mrs. Thompson said. 

Thompson and many teachers agree with Sollazzo’s idea that this change may be more beneficial for students on a long-term basis, even if they do not favor it now. 

“I heard a lot of my students complaining during the first week or two after the change.  Many were upset that they weren’t able to see the moment teachers entered new grades.  I think they are completely obsessed with grades and it says a lot about our school’s culture,” Thompson said. 

Despite very conflicting perspectives regarding the Genesis update, Sollazzo explained that the update will most likely remain in place and overall help students’ mental health.

“Just like any other initiative we embark on here at NVD, we will always do what is best for our students and staff.  As of now the plan is to continue with the update for the foreseeable future, while continuously assessing how the initiative is going and making any changes if needed,” Sollazzo said.