Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

PARENTS CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS OF RE-OPENING SCHOOLS

Parents are aware that final decisions will be made by State Department of Education, the CDC and possibly local school boards may have some input. Admittedly, some parents do not know what concerns to have at this point.

However, there are questions and concerns which may reflect the majority of parents.

· Will students be required to wear masks on the school bus and how will bus loads be handled considering the COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing and masks?

· Is the school district providing masks for all students at schools and what will the penalty be for children/parents without masks? Will students be required to wear masks all day inside classrooms and school buildings? Are masks a part of dress code? What about students with special needs who are unable to wear masks? Will special face shields be required or provided for them?

· How soon will an official re-open date be available to parents?

· Will all education staff be tested prior to re-opening?

· What happens if/when a student or staff tests positive? Will medical staff be in the schools all day?

· How will quarantining affect mandated attendance?

· Are athletics safe for student participation considering CDC guidelines?

· What will school physical education classes and recess look like?

· Will there be staggered school days and when will parents know these schedules? Will any consideration be given to parents with children in several grades?

· Will there still be Breakfast and Lunch programs in schools?

· How will Block scheduling be handled in high schools?

· Will there be a teacher shortage since many teachers are over the age of 60 years and some who are not of that age have underlying conditions?

· Many children live with grandparents who are in critical ages. Will grandparents be tested through the schools?

· Since there possibly will not be Open House at schools, will arrangements be made for parents and teachers to meet before schools re-open?

Perhaps, an informational mailout can be provided to all parents and done through designated schools to ensure a point of contact for concerns.

Parents have concerns and really want their children in school; they want them to be as SAFE as possible considering the risks of COVID-19.