Spanish teacher Virginia Leskowski is taking a month long leave of absence for jury duty, leaving her students to settle in with a substitute teacher.

To be on jury duty, one has to be extensively questioned in order to see if they are capable, unbiased jurors. Most questioned are dismissed, but some are chosen to stay. These people become jurors as part of a legal proceeding. They are responsible for judging the case. Leskowski is one of these selected individuals.

“I answered the questions honestly, and for some reason they thought I would be a good juror. I’m not sure if I will [be], but I’ll try my best” said Leskowski.

Despite being out of school , Leskowski has a positive, open-minded perspective of her situation. She is not only involved in an important civic duty, but also has made acquaintances along the way.

“It’s an honor to be on a jury,” said Leskowski. “I’ve come to know my fellow jurors and make connections with a whole new group of people that has really enriched my life.”

Although Leskowski sees it as her civic duty, she recognizes the difficulties presented in balancing this new responsibility with her teaching.

“It is hard because I am working two jobs, basically paying very careful attention during the trial, and also trying to keep up with my duties at school. It’s been very stressful for me. Not to mention the fact that the trial is very emotionally draining, so having such a huge responsibility for so many people who are affected by the trial is a great burden in a way on my mental state.”

Though mentally exhausting, Leskowski still receives her regular salary. Principal Richard Kitchens explains the protocol.

“By state law, public employees who are called for jury duty still get their salary. By our teacher contract, the fifteen bucks a day she makes as a juror is paid back to the district, partially paying for the cost of the substitute” he said.

Although stressful for her, Leskowski has taken the initiative to prepare her students for this change in the Spanish education.

“She’s doing above and beyond what a teacher would have to do, which is just to provide lesson plans,” said Kitchens.

Leskowski has introduced a substitute, Lili Basset, into her classes, who sticks to the lesson plans that Leskowski has laid out. She has constant contact with Basset in order to ensure the progress of her classes.

“Even though the students have a substitute, doesn’t mean that we’re going to not learn new things,” said Leskowski. “I’m consulting with my colleagues to see that we’re on the same chapters, and we’re close to finishing them at the same time.”

Some students express uncertainty for the stability of their newly arranged Spanish class.

Senior Will Corvin said he acknowledges that Mrs. Leskowsi’s absence is creating difficulties.

“It is really difficult without Mrs. Leskowski because foreign languages are often the hardest subjects to teach and the substitute has not had as much time to prepare the lessons,” Corvin said.

Spanish student sophomore Marley Bratman, said she also worries for her ability to do well in her Spanish class.

“It might be harder to succeed in the class because the substitute doesn’t understand the curriculum [as well as Leskowski],” Bratman said.

Some students said they would need to commit more time outside of class to make up for the change in teaching.

“I think it will impact how much studying I have to do outside of class; definitely an increased amount,” Junior Natalie Godfrey said. “The only thing I foresee as a potential problem would just be the smaller amount of after school and tutorial help that will be available.”

However, Leskowski said she is available on a number of days at seven or eight p.m. A list is located outside her door.

Graphic by Lena Crown