Manteca Unified has recently been given the green light to allow grade TK-3 back into the classroom in a "hybrid model." In this model, children will be back in class for 2.5 hours a day. They will be placed in classrooms with 10-11 other children who are spaced not quite 6 feet apart. Masks will not be mandatory. Though each class will not mingle with other classes, they will be allowed to play and interact with each other.

Data has shown that young children are the least likely to show symptoms after exposure to Corona virus. And it was this data that informed the decision to allow TK-3 back first. However, data has also shown that children can transmit the disease to others who might then be very sick. Allowing kids to intermingle without mandatory mask use will allow children to share,and exchange virus particles, putting at risk family members and community members including teachers.

Though in person learning is the best way for children to learn, the timing is not right. The number of cases are increasing throughout the country. We have already entered flu season, a risky time every year but particularly risky now. Several schools that have opened in the last few months have had to close classrooms due to new cases of Covid 19. The safest course for our children, our family and our community is to wait until flu season has passed and rates have decreased further in the country. This is why we believe we should extend the distance learning option until then end of the 20-21 school year.