We, the families/parents of Southeast Polk students would like our children to be in attendance at school 100% onsite with parents having the option to do 100% virtual, after the current extension date of September 18, 2020.  You have heard from many concerned parents/families/grandparents already, but by starting this petition, we hope we can get you to see how important this is to many of us in our community.

We urge you, as our current School Board Members, to consider the effectiveness of this Hybrid 2 versus the effectiveness of moving to Hybrid 1.  Consider the fulltime working families that are currently struggling to maintain structure and a learning environment at home while trying to balance their career.  Consider the financial burden that has been placed on families that now must utilize daycare for their children during the school hours while the parent must continue to work to make ends meet.  Consider the student that has to wait until the end of the day to even begin their schoolwork because the child has been at daycare all day while the parent must continue working.  Consider the kindergartener/1st grader who does not understand why he is at home with his parent one day but in school the next day, and asks why he cannot go to school every day.  Consider the child that simply has difficulty hearing and understanding the teacher over the distraction of other children while participating in a Zoom meeting; not all children can effectively learn virtually.  Consider the older children and their parents who are at their wits end trying to navigate their assignments on Canvas and Infinite Campus, who are experiencing inconsistencies in assigned and due dates and getting graded poorly for it.  Consider the quality of education that is happening at home versus that which they receive in a classroom with a certified teacher and classmates.  Consider the need that our children have to interact with peers and friends for their own mental well-being during a time where their lives have been turned upside down.  Consider how these stressors effect the mental well-being of parents, and how the mental state of parents effects their family and employment.  Consider the child who is abused, neglected, or malnourished at home, as this abuse will remain undetected unless teachers can see them daily to notice that something is not right, and to report it.

Many families/parents of Southeast Polk students have expressed their concern that the next step be taken to return to normalcy for everyone’s benefit.  We understand the risks involved, but a virus is a virus and will not go away.  We must carry on.  We cannot continue this mediocre method of education long-term, as the outcome will have devastating effects.  We appreciate the measures that have been taken to keep our students and families safe, but realize the necessity that we need to move forward.  Please decide it is time to move to Hybrid 1.