A group of teachers and some parents are pushing MCPS for a system wide closure due to the recent Omicron surge.  We must do all we can to prevent this from happening.

We know from experience that students are better off in school vs. virtual learning.  Many experts strongly recommend schools stay open.  One example is the most well respected group of pediatricians, CHOP Policy Lab,  which highly recommends students be in school.  There are many others, including the CDC, WHO, AAP, and numerous public health experts.

Pivoting to virtual learning would be a grave mistake.  Experience shows us that once we pivot to virtual, going back to in person takes time and much effort and the loss to students is severe.  Students are just as safe, if not safer, in school.  The downsides of virtual learning (depression, isolation, obesity, learning loss, exacerbated food insecurity, abuse) far outweigh the risks connected to kids learning in classrooms. Families also suffer, especially those with parents who are essential workers working outside the home (health care workers, grocery workers, police/fire, etc.).  Virtual learning will only create more system breakdowns in these areas which are already suffering staff shortages.

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