Nov. 12 was a day long-awaited for many. For the first time since March 14, students repacked their backpacks, except this time, not only with textbooks and pencils.

Along with the other changes implemented for in-school students, self-care kits, which include tissues, masks and hand sanitizer, were strongly encouraged.

Associate Principal Tracey Waeckerle notes this suggestion wasn’t made into policy, but a recommendation to prevent excess visits to the nurse.

An email sent out by the Principal’s Office asked in-school students to have an extra mask, set of headphones, tissues and hand sanitizer products during the day.

Because self-care kits aren’t a requirement, many students have added and taken away from the original items in order to fit their specific needs.

Kallie Fisher, junior, said most of the items including two masks and hand sanitizer are necessary for students but other items can be left out.

“I like knowing that if my mask becomes ruined I can grab another one, and I like having hand sanitizer on my person since I touch a lot of shared items,” Fisher said.

Fisher said Chapstick may be the least needed item by students because students’ lips aren’t exposed to as many external forces with a mask on.

The idea of a self-care kit is not new to Fisher, as she has carried around similar hygiene products in the past to school. Fisher has since added additional items such as ponytail holders and Clorox wipes in order to adapt to her current situation.

“I’ve kept extra masks and products in my car before. Now I tend to bring them around with me more often,” Fisher said. “I keep everything in a plastic baggy in my backpack to keep it separate from my supplies.”

Although it can be a hassle at times, Fisher notes there’s no harm that can come from carrying those products around, and it’s better to take these precautions to stay safe.

This school year is a new experience for everyone, especially for freshmen who have a completely different first impression compared to returning students.

Jack Cason, freshman, said COVID-19 regulations including self-care kits have been an added hassle to the high school adjustment.

“I have bad allergies, so I use my tissues from my self-care kit a lot,” Cason said. “I think students should only bring what they need most.”

Cason puts an emphasis on keeping tissues and hand sanitizer in his backpack for use throughout the day but said he would rather use a classroom set of tissues.

Despite this drawback, Cason acknowledged that carrying individual items and trying not to share with others can be useful in slowing down the spread of germs in school.

Teachers also participate in the use of self-care kits.

Emily Thompson, French teacher, is limited on care supplies in the classroom and said students bringing in their own kits is essential.

“I have only given items to students who absolutely cannot provide them on their own or left it at home for a day,” Thompson said. “Otherwise everyone is expected to bring their own.”

For Thompson, the only items left over from the previous years were a box of tissues and some Clorox wipes which were tucked away for the next school year and emergencies.

In addition to the recommended items, Thompson brings a snack, water bottle and a thermometer in her self-care kit.

“It is good to have everything you need to take care of yourself during the day,” Thompson said. “No matter what, I think it is important for us to be prepared on our own rather than relying on someone else to have what we need.”