Cameras To Remain ‘On’ For Wenatchee School District Students

The Wenatchee School District is now requiring that all students have their cameras on during Zoom meetings and instruction.

Superintendent Paul Gordon said the old policy just wasn't working, with students not seeing each other and teachers trying to teach to a black screen. The vast majority of secondary students, as well as some elementary kids, have not been turning them on at all up to this point.

"We spoke with some other individuals like psychologists along the way. Their guidance was that one of the important things people really need are those visual cues. It releases serotonin, which kind of allows you to feel good." explained Gordon, "We really take a lot of visual cues off of each other."

Gordon added that the district is trying to build a better classroom environment, and he is proud that in doing so they can admit their earlier policy was not good enough and things needed to change based on new information. He stated that enforcement of the new rule will be a challenge, but teachers and staff are up to the task of making sure they are connecting with their kids.

The district said in a statement that it still understands the need for flexibility in cases such as students with WiFi limitations, students for whom being on camera causes severe anxiety, and concerns about a student's surroundings.

The policy went into effect November 23rd.