Category: Community

I know that many parents of school-aged children are eager to get their children back to the classroom setting. However, I too understand the greater concerns of those parents who have children with chronic health conditions that already put them at risk- COVID or no COVID. As the new school year approaches, so does a new season- including that of the common cold and flu. Fall is typically the nightmare for both children and parents whom have exacerbated symptoms of asthma and any other underlying chronic health conditions. Much of which is already at the risk of health concerns, hospitalizations, school absences which are seen every year. Just ask any school nurse! Now, tack on the increased risk to our children of the exposure of COVID-19 once out of isolation and back into the public setting if schools must fully reopen in the Fall. This is a very real concern for parents right now as there is still so much unknown about COVID-19, the number of cases continue to spike, and the start of the new school year is just around the corner.

It has been announced in our community that school’s are due to re- open September 8th. However, if our community remains to be greatly threatened by COVID-19 by this time, shouldn’t parents have the option of continued virtual classroom learning for their children made available through their child’s school district? At least this can be an initial and temporary option until it is deemed safe to fully enter back into the public classroom setting; based on the public health concerns we could still be facing in just under two months away. I look at weighing the risks over the benefits on this current debate and rightful concern for parents, teachers, school officials, healthcare professionals and our elected officials are all having right now. Children whom are chronically ill, immune-compromised, and are receiving ongoing medical supervision and treatment will be under grave risk of COVID-19 if placed in a public classroom setting while a large number of cases remain. There isn’t a vaccination currently available, the research of the Corona Virus is still widely unpredictable nor fully understood, and passive immunity is not yet a protective barrier for children, especially to mention the educators and staff who are also at risk. However, if schools must re- open according to the decision of local city and state officials, there should be a safe option available too. If parents had the ability to choose to continue online or at home education receiving supportive tools and curriculum from their children’s school as they did earlier on in the year, having this option can help alleviate some of the concern for class size, and management of health and safety precautions in the classroom and school setting. Parents can still have their child(ren) registered in their school and continue to receive the educational benefits of the resources without the pressure and risk of sending their child physically to school prematurely-In the situation that COVID-19 remains uncontrolled. With secondary options being limited otherwise, or taking a child out of their registered place of education isn’t ideal. However, as communities unite for sustainable support in the education, health, and safety planning in the near future, we can trust to see a positive outcome for all. Parents, students, educators, and community leaders should have the ability to feel safe and secure about returning to school in the Fall while we are still very much under this pandemic crisis. Many battle their health on a regularly given day, but currently the struggle for many is greater as they are doing as much as any can to remain safe during this war on public health.

Educators, parents, and students across the nation have had to adapt to the change from classroom to virtual learning when the outbreak of COVID-19 initially occurred. While this was an initial shock for everyone, it was also a relatively successful effort throughout communities world wide. Not everyone copes and adapts the same and that is natural, understandable, and very much OK. Each child learns differently, each parent’s home situation is unique, and not every school has a high level of support that it should to function at its highest potential. Though, in every case, all should be reviewed and considered for the greater support and resources to remain and/ or made available for a successful outcome, especially for such an unpredictable future. With this said, it gives more of a reason to have either option as the new school year approaches. If schools must re-open then at the very least temporary educational resources provided by the school district for those parents and children who have the ability to successfully do so at home, should remain. Is there any harm otherwise?  Children can return to the classroom when the risks are far less.

I have reached out to the Principal of my child’s school on this subject, also local city officials and hope to receive clarification on what options have been discussed, if any. I encourage those to do the same if you are one to approach the same concerns for the education, our community’s health, and safety during this time. Having a sustainable option, even on a temporary basis can help prevent any increased potential for unnecessary issues coming back around in the future. What is not ideal is having an additional outbreak, another repeated cycle and continues, while we still have much to know and tackle on this monster. We are not there yet, and even though the idea that school must go on is a concern for many, well so is the health and safety for others now and most importantly, the future for all. Having the option to potentially reduce any risk sounds winning rather the very pressured situation of not having an option at all. At this present moment, the risks outweigh the benefits. This solution could be ideal for any one no matter what side of the fence you are on. Thoughts?

Stay safe and support. Unity with Community!

-A.M.W.