West Essex has refused to go virtual or even offer a remote option to its students and teachers after winter break. With COVID-19 cases only increasing daily throughout NJ, and especially within Essex County, our local community is at extreme risk of this contagious disease. The emergence of the omicron variant has also created a new issue with it being able to infect those who have the vaccine. 

Not only that but with much of the student body already in quarantine due to exposure or sickness, the idea of a complete and safe school has already dwindled away. While it is not fair for those in quarantine to have to participate in virtual school, where teacher attention and attention is limited, this isn't to say that those in school have it better. Those in-school are in constant danger of the potential to be infected and bring it home to their families who could possibly be immunocompromised. Even though West Essex constantly pushes the idea that the safety and protection of their own students and staff are at the forefront of their importance, this mission hasn't been displayed whatsoever. The constant danger of disease especially now when friends and family alike are coming down with this horrible infection should be enough of a reason to go virtual. 

There has also been an obvious display of opposition to the idea of in-person school by the teachers as well. With many teachers missing from school out of fear or illness, many students are missing ample class time and the opportunity to continue their studies. These missing teachers also require current teachers to cover for them, which deprives in-person teachers of time and energy to further work on their own lesson plans. This plan of coverage is simply broken and diminishes students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach.

With many issues such as a spike in cases, unsafe conditions, risking family health, missing staff, and inefficient class time, it is necessary that West Essex provides a remote option to students who desire.