Petition for the Saydel Community School District board members to vote for a return to full-time, in-person learning. We are requesting a return to hybrid learning for all schools until the January full-time, in-person start date. 

As parents and guardians, these are a few of our concerns:

• Many kids and parents are struggling with distance learning. This is particularly true for elementary school-age children.
• Online learning doesn’t work for every student. Our kids should have the opportunity to be in the classroom if that is what their parent/guardian feels is best for them.
• Parents need to work to support their families.
• Some families are disproportionately affected by this and could continue to fall behind. We need equitable success and opportunity for ALL students.
• Negative effects or lack of academic success, especially in elementary schools, can easily compound over time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advocates that all policy considerations should start with the goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning has been well documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures. 

In addition, there is no reason to think that having kids home on some days, but not others will do anything to slow the spread of the virus. Indeed, because families are likely to be involved in more and different settings on off days, their contacts with families and staff will be greater and more varied.

This is an evolving and unprecedented time, and our kids are going to need stability and routines now more than ever before. Schools play an essential function in society, and we can’t minimize the impact they have on students, our families, and our community.

If you want to help ensure that your children have the opportunity for in-person learning, please sign this petition and share it with others in our community. This petition will be sent to the SCSD board members ahead of the December 7 meeting, encouraging them to vote for a return to hybrid learning immediately and full-time in-person at the previously decided January start date.