By Wyatt McInerney
There are a lot of varying perspectives on whether schools should reopen for the end of the year — both pro and con. It is important to see all these different opinions, as many as there are. Interviews with kids, parents, and teachers reveal a wide variety of opinions.
Recently CNN covered the concerns of one family’s struggles due to the coronavirus. According to the article, the mother had to quit her job to stay home with her kids. If schools can re-open, not only will she be able to get a job to make money again, but her kid’s education will increase dramatically.
“My kids are not doing well with distance learning,” the San Francisco mother said. “They did have good grades in the past. But right now, they are not doing well. … They lack the motivation to learn.”
This family clearly needs to return to school, but for others it isn’t an option, and some have been forced to risk their health due to poor decisions or due to COVID-deniers. CNN spoke to one teacher who knows all too well how dangerous COVID-19 is.
“My sister-in-law, my mother-in-law and my husband all had COVID at the same time. And we lost my sister-in-law,” she told CNN. “They all went to a church where worshipers often don’t wear masks, and they all got sick.”
As a teacher, she understands the benefits to in-person learning. Some students perform better. Some are more excited to learn, but each decision comes with many pros and cons.
CNN also interviewed a superintendent who was rejecting calls for a return until his staff was vaccinated.
“In order to complete the puzzle and bring students and staff back to school in the safest way possible, school staff need to be offered the opportunity to receive the vaccine.”
Schools have to consider all these points, opinions, and views before making this seemingly impossible decision. The Irvington School District has decided on a full return on April 12, following Spring Break, and has already begun prepping classes for the additional students.
What do you think about this? Comment below on whether you think Irvington should be re-opening its doors to all.
