As we continue to fly through summer, the debate about re-opening schools has started to heat up. With September coming closer, the President and other legislators are pushing districts to re-open. While many experts agree that remote learning may be the safest way to go.
It seems there is a lose, lose situation no matter which way we look at this issue. If we leave schools closed, working families will be under more pressure to find out how to keep their younger children under supervision during the day, as well as well not having help with meals for their children. Many families rely on school lunch programs to ensure their kids get fed. It may be forcing families to stretch even thinner than they already are.
On the other hand, re-opening schools will run a high risk of the second outbreak becoming even worse. Forcing municipalities to lock down even further. It will take a whole new level of planning and organization to get entire school districts re-structured to be safe for live learning. Classrooms, schedules, transportation, cafeterias, gyms would all need to be re-configured to meet safe practice standards during the pandemic.
I see no win no matter what route the nation ends up taking with this one. However, it is a decision that needs to be made, one way or the other.
Luckily my son’s school district gave a few options, one of them being totally online/virtual. My son jumped at the chance, as he really excelled when that was how it was at the close of last school year. He is old enough that he can manage to be at home alone if need be. I think the school district has really done a good job planning for all the models they rolled out. I think it will be interesting to see it play out and how successful the plans are accross the nation. I feel for the families that are struggling with all of this. I hope its over soon.
My child has begun 100% virtual learning and I am not impressed. Classes begin at 8:30a and end at 12:30p…with a condensed schedule. They are going to revist after Labor Day, but I would prefer her to be in school. She misses the socialization and friendships.
I think it’s great that it sounds like most school systems have given it an option, but with that. What does that mean for the teachers when it is optional? Does that mean they have some kids coming to school and a teacher has to be at school and teach online classes as well? I’m sure they have some sort of system that works both for the student and teacher, but I’m just curious. It sounds like its very different per state.
I do agree with Pat, that I feel bad for kids that are missing out on the socialization and extra curricular activities. It’s really sad that kids have to miss out on all those activities now. I know if I were a senior in high school right now and if I was told our soccer season was canceled, I would have been crushed. At the same time though, I know I would have to learn to understand the importance behind the decisions like this being made. I’m just wondering how long it’s really going to be like this for? a year? more than a year?
And to add to that Amy, what kind of consistency will that provide for students? Will students coming in to class be getting more clear lessons than students staying home?
@thottempudi - Kids are still doing 100% virtual learning? I thought things were really starting to open up more. That said, I have heard for the most part the vaccines are only available for kids 12 and up right now. Is that still the case?
It sounds like its very different per state.