Back To School Amid a Pandemic
August is typically a time of excitement as the new school year begins. This year, that excitement is tempered with apprehension as school districts decide the best course of action for their students whether that be in-person or remote instruction, or a hybrid model. Following the input of their teachers and families, Chicago Public Schools have now switched to all remote instruction, at least for the first quarter of the year beginning September 8. Results from a survey conducted in July showed that only 20% of minority families were comfortable sending their students back to school.
Only 11% of suburban public school districts in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall and McHenry counties were planning a full return to in-person classes as of August 18, according to survey data on the Illinois Board of Education’s coronavirus webpage. This raises questions about what improvements have been made to remote learning since the spring and how parents who work full-time will be able to supervise their children. Rev. Myra Taylor, Pastor of Galewood United Church of Christ and Dean of Students at Ogden International High School, expressed concern over how large high schools would be able to implement sufficient safety protocols if students returned to school in the fall. Based on feedback she has heard from parents; she supports the decision of CPS to begin the school year with remote learning.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago announced, in early July, a plan for reopening their schools with enhanced safety measures in place. They acknowledged that any significant increase in cases might require schools to shut down once again. St. Paul Lutheran School Principal Dr. Robyn DuBose stated that the top priority was the safety of her students and staff and she shared her plans and the safety protocols in place for in-person learning.
Dr. DuBose tested the school’s plan with a small group of students in summer school. The success of the pilot reassured parents and, with the exception of those with pre-existing health conditions, students will be back in the classroom. In addition to standard safety protocols, such as social distancing, frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer, students will eat lunch in their classrooms and split into two groups for chapel services. The school purchased Swivl units to allow students, who participate remotely, to engage with their class in real-time.
What everyone can agree on is that there is no good solution to the educational crisis caused by COVID-19. Experts, teachers and parents recognize that in-person instruction is more effective especially for young children and those with special needs. In-person instruction also provides access to speech, physical and occupational therapy. Services that can be difficult for parents to access outside of school. “Ogden International High School serves a significant number of students who are hearing impaired and learning remotely will be especially challenging for these students” stated Rev. Taylor. Another concern was the loss of free or reduced-price meals. Fortunately, CPS and most other school districts have committed to providing meals. CPS will also be providing individual computing devices and free internet hotspots for families in need.
A variety of education related resources, including a parent checklist developed by the Center for Disease Control, have been posted on our website to assist families. If you have other resources to share with the community, please contact us. We extend our prayers for the families who face this difficult decision and for the administrators and teachers who are working to provide our children with a safe and high-quality education.