The point of this is to get In Person learning for NPS high school students at some point during the 2020-21 school year. A target return date for a phased-in start is all we are asking for. This will provide optimism for students in a very stressful time. The middle school has a target return date of November 16th. Something like that is all we are asking for. 

¨Forseeable Future¨ is not good enough. We need a date with a SAFE hybrid plan. This would hopefully allow for at least a second semester with some form of In-Person learning. Start the year full remote with a phased-in return plan. 

The school committee voted to revisit it again in November and then again in January. That is simply not good enough. That would mean a return by March earliest. At that point, they would just cancel the entire year. Elementary school kids are being let back because it is essential to their learning. However in person learning as well as in-person interaction is just as important for the health of teenagers. 

School is essential. Throughout their time at Newton Public Schools, students have been taught that “Learning Sustains the Human Spirit.”  We understand the unprecedented situation the school needed to face last year, and teachers dealt with it the best they could. However, many concerned students and parents don’t feel online education is the best environment to promote learning within the student body. We share the same concerns that the school system does. Many of us have loved ones who are at high risk of COVID-19. But, this does not have to be one way or the other. Students can still receive education and protect those vulnerable to the virus. A well-planned hybrid model will allow students to receive the education they deserve while taking the precautions necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. 

There are significant concerns that arise from online learning. It is wrong to assume that every student lives in a situation where they can effectively learn online. Some parents can’t afford internet access that is fast enough to host zoom classes. It is taught at Newton North that there are multiple different learning types. Online courses exclude a significant portion of the student population that struggles with this type of learning. In addition, to quote the Center for Disease Control; “Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities, as they provide safe, supportive learning environments for students, employ teachers and other staff, and enable parents, guardians, and caregivers to work.  Schools also provide critical services that help to mitigate health disparities, such as school meal programs, and social, physical, behavioral, and mental health services. School closure disrupts the delivery of these critical services to children and families, and places additional economic and psychological stress on families, which can increase the risk for family conflict and violence.” Some very serious mental health concerns come with keeping students out of school for too long.

We need to work together to find a way to give students the educational experience they deserve. We all share concerns over the spread of the virus, so let's work together to make sure Newton Public Schools follow CDC guidelines that will eliminate the risk. Other schools in the area are taking the necessary steps; why isn’t Newton?

By this time next year, hundreds of Newton seniors will have graduated and moved on to the next chapter in their lives. How should they spend their last year as part of this community? 

I am extremely concerned about the mental health and well being of kids from being trapped in their houses without a form of in-person learning as well as social interaction.

Teachers have understandable concerns and many aren't going to feel safe until their concerns are dealt with. Listen to these concerns and discuss with the teachers what needs to be done in order to fulfill these requests.

I understand this will be difficult but I believe we have the capability to overcome all the obstacles. With all of the strong creativity in this town, we can make this work. 

More information about the CDC’s concerns with school closure and K-12 reopening guidelines can be found at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/prepare-safe-return.html