Parkway Board of Education: We are disappointed
Photo illustration by Pathfinder Editorial Board
This image represents the Parkway Board of Education letting the well being of students, staff and the greater St. Louis community slip through their hands.
To the Parkway Board of Education,
Sept. 29, you held a regular board meeting that wasn’t so regular. You introduced 18 speakers and two written statements. The video recording of the meeting has 2,000 views. Your community was invested in the decision you would be making.
Parkway Director of Health Services Robin Wallin came armed with statistic after statistic to repeatedly and unbiasedly show that COVID-19 rates among high school students were too high for in-person learning to resume. Below, we’ve listed a few statistics from her Sept. 27 presentation.
Children ages 15-19…
- had approximately six times the amount of COVID-19 cases from Sept. 1 to Sept. 14 as children of any other age range.
- accounted for approximately 77% of all COVID-19 cases in school-age children in the two weeks preceding Sept. 29.
- had a positivity rate of 10.10%. This is double the baseline positivity rate and implies that there are many more undiagnosed cases in the community.
On top of these grossly alarming numbers, we also must take into account that they reflect a distance learning situation. The moment we send students back into classrooms, we accept a lost cause. The district likes to make a case for the shiny new ventilation systems in our buildings; however, the fact remains that no matter how great these systems might be, the virus is transmitted much more easily indoors than out.
Not only does sending students back in classrooms put students and staff directly at risk within the classroom, but it also encourages student interaction outside of school hours. When students’ friends are already going to the same building for in-person school, it makes it even easier to remain in contact with them after school hours in Starbucks parking lots or each others’ basements. This will lead to more cases than we have right now.
We can also assure you that our community will experience another spike in COVID-19 cases among high school students soon. Teens are already planning costumes for their crowded, maskless Halloween gatherings. Just this summer, students decided to party one Tuesday night. All of the students present had to quarantine when some attendees tested positive, resulting in a brief hiatus in the proceedings of athletic camps. On top of this, gatherings are beginning to take place indoors due to the cooler weather, and flu season is fast approaching.
This triage of reasons all imply that our numbers right now pale in comparison to what might lie ahead should we make the switch to in-person learning. Needless to say, Sept. 29, you made the right decision, which makes it all the more disappointing that Oct. 7, you decided to reverse that decision.
The one new piece of data you introduced was using the Fort Zumwalt School District, the Wentzville School District, and the Francis Howell School District as examples of safe return. But St. Charles County, the county each of your comparison districts serve, is seeing a 34.9% increase in COVID-19 cases in the 14-day rolling average chart on the same presentation, coincidentally two to three weeks after these districts resumed in-person school.
This demonstrates that students might not be as susceptible to the virus, but they will accelerate its spread to more vulnerable populations. Teachers and staff are at the frontlines. They are expected to put themselves and their families at risk to be in direct contact with high school students who cannot seem to keep their respiratory droplets to themselves. If we were teachers, we would be scared.
The rest of the data you presented Oct. 7 largely followed the trends presented Sept. 29. The same contradictory nature was apparent in St. Louis County Executive Sam Page’s statements on the spread of COVID-19 among high school students. Sept. 4 he claimed he was “deeply concerned about the explosion of COVID-19 in the 15-to-19-year-old age group” and considered youth sports as a cause for rising infection rates. But he is now recommending a return to in-person learning. Why are our community leaders shifting opinions so suddenly when data hasn’t significantly changed?
You succumbed to the incessant cries and protests of parents and students who were simply being loud. They wanted the district to acknowledge their right to a choice; this right can be exercised when the consequences of the choice don’t negatively affect anybody but the person making a choice. COVID-19 does not allow room for choice. COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, and you put an entire community at higher risk when you provide people with the choice to learn in-person.
Other outspoken individuals’ arguments in favor of Parkway’s Return to Learn plan— a misleading name which inaccurately implies that no learning took place over online schooling— were based in defense of mental health. These petulant people claimed the lack of socialization that accompanies distance learning directly led to a deterioration in students’ emotional well-being, and that returning to in-person school would solve these problems. This logic is faulty.
Going back to school under the circumstances we face right now will inevitably result in positive cases. These positive cases mean students and staff will have to undergo 14-day isolations and cause many changes to any routine students might try to form at in-person school. This will disrupt the very sense of controllability and predictability that form the foundation of stable mental health.
Furthermore, in-person learning won’t resemble school pre-COVID-19. At the time of posting, lunch will supposedly be split into four sections, and there will only be three students per table. This means students likely won’t get to see their friends. There won’t be any chatting in the halls between classes. Students will be spending 100 minutes in each class and will have to attend from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a total of three classes and one mandatory study hall.
Mental health is a real problem. We already place a great burden on schools, and school counselors, to handle tough social and emotional situations. We do not provide all the resources that we should as a district to help students create and maintain lifelong personal wellness. We should allocate more funds to this cause, instead of pretending that greenlighting a massive outbreak-waiting-to-happen is giving the mental health crisis the attention and care it deserves. Sending us back to school in-person is not the solution.
We are disappointed, Parkway Board of Education. We are disappointed that you attempted to sway figures in your favor. We are disappointed that you let outspoken parents and students— who are most definitely not appointed pandemic doctors or statisticians— scare you into your final decision. We are disappointed that you turned your back on the facts you championed not even one week before your next meeting.
You let our community down. We need you to rely on the facts and the figures, and analyze them with the human reasoning we hope you possess. With the power to make this decision, you hold the very lives of students, staff and the entire St. Louis community in your hands. With the decision you made, you let them fall right through your fingers.
Sincerely,
The Parkway West Pathfinder Editorial Board
All the above statistics were sourced from data presented at the Sept. 29 and Oct. 7 Parkway Board of Education meetings. The presentations from each meeting can be found here and here, respectively. For more information on the meetings, you can visit this website. For weekly updates from Parkway on the COVID-19 situation, you can visit the Community Health Dashboard.
Your donation will support the student journalists of Parkway West High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
![Missouri residents gather to protest the signing of an anti-trans bill proposed by the Republican Senate. The proposed bill would ban transgender girls from participating in youth sports on girls teams. “At least in the past, laws have only tried to prevent transgender [students] from participating in certain activities, which is already scary,” senior Quinn Gilles said. “Transgender minors barely have any rights, [but] when you thought it couldn’t get worse, now laws are preventing us from being ourselves.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FeaturedPhto-475x317.webp)
![Recent changes to Title XI of the Missouri Revised Statutes bring back questions about corporal punishment in schools. As a toddler, now-sophomore Sadie Burgess attended Eufaula, a school district with an opt-in corporal punishment system allowing parents to determine if teachers could physically discipline their children. “I dont agree with [corporal punishment]. Its a very harsh way to punish kids; some kids have behavioral issues that not everyone understands. Solving those issues with violence isnt the answer,” Burgess said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Punishment-6-475x317.png)
Christine • Nov 6, 2020 at 3:56 pm
Very well written. A quick note for some of those in favor on In Person Learning. I am completely terrified of Covid-19. I have been trying to watch and control me and my son’s interactions as much as possible. I would avoid sending my child to school if at all possible. Unfortunately, it came down to 2 choices……will he be able to pass his classes enough to be able to graduate by Distance Learning? OR do I take the risk, hope that I have taught him well and the school tries to remind and/or help enforce the safety guidelines enough? By making the selection to send him back to school, to be in person, was a choice of his education. For my child, it is the only way for him. I don’t speak for anyone else, except our situation. He is a very intelligent child who has a high IQ but is with an IEP. His disabilities do not allow him to accomplish tasks well, especially when computer related. I don’t envy any of those involved in making these decisions, watching the numbers and dealing with the endless parent questions, comments, issues and complaints. Those Administrators, Principals, Staff, Teachers, etc are utterly exhausted!!! AND I thank them for everything they are doing. I wish EVERYONE luck as we work to get through this Pandemic.
Jason Truesdell • Oct 28, 2020 at 2:55 pm
This is becoming a very circular conversation. Didn’t the Board’s meetings include numerous comments from students indicating they want to be back in person? I know my kids, along with all their friends, are elated to be back in school. So, yes, we did ask and it appears the overwhelming majority of kids and parents believe they should be back in school. By publishing this “editorial” the Pathfinder is essentially saying that the overwhelming majority of students agree with their position. Wouldn’t journalistic integrity have been better served by publishing views pro in person schooling and views con? Agreed everyone deserves a voice, but when one makes their voice public they should accept and expect that those with differing views will similarly make their opinions known, even if those opinions come from a position of privilege and entitlement.
Parkway West Teacher • Oct 27, 2020 at 7:11 pm
In response to Jason at 6:20, please refrain from calling out Abbey. She is an amazing West student and deserves better. In fact, as she eloquently states, she deserves a voice. While the district has hosted numerous thought exchanges and surveys for teachers and parents, to my knowledge, we have never asked students to weigh in on what would make their educational experience better in these times. As she points out, the enemy is not the decision but the INDECISION and the reversal of plans.
Perhaps we should have asked and listened.
Do you know what is causing students stress? Isolation? The cramming of 18 weeks into 9? Uncertainty regarding college plans? Worry for siblings who are away at school? Thoughts of the health of family and loved ones? Do you know? Has anyone asked them?
The editorial staff of Pathfinder, as well as the students who have commented on this story, are some of the brightest minds I have had the honor of teaching at West. I urge you to listen to them and I applaud each of them for speaking truth to power.
Jason • Oct 27, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Parkway Parent 6:49 PM, I referenced the word “disgusted” in quotes as that is the emotion a prior poster said she felt when she saw families having back to school parties in celebration of the birds decision. Have you asked that poster not to use that word so I feel now need to quote him/her again. Similarly, I would ask folks like Abbey Thompson not to use politically charged buzzwords like privileged as entitlement as it cheapens any argument one wants to make. If expecting to get the quality educational services for our children we pay taxes for is privileged and/or entitled I guess that’s me.
Abbey Thompson • Oct 27, 2020 at 11:05 am
I am so proud of all the students who worked so hard on this piece. For some of us, we were unable to have our voices heard over the yelling from the adults who seem to know what’s better for us than we do. I understand everyone has their own opinions, but I feel the opinions of those like me, were overshadowed by people with louder, more demanding and privileged, voices. I can tell you that my mental health has been more damaged by the wish washyness and entitlement of the Parkway community than being in or out of school. It’s incredibly upsetting to sit by and watch the loud voices of few outweigh the quiet voices of many. Fantastic job students. You represent us well. Thank you.
Rick Biswas • Oct 25, 2020 at 7:34 pm
You address an argument so many are afraid to put forth especially teachers who barely have a say in the decision and their jobs depend on it. Thank you for speaking for speaking on their behalf. Well written!
Parkway mental health provider • Oct 25, 2020 at 9:33 am
This piece is so well-written that people think students couldn’t right it. Kudos to the students that presented an accurate and excellent piece with journalistic integrity. This made me proud to be a parent and mental health provider in the district. There words will ring true as time goes on and data is gathered. I have sick friends who work in those St. Charles districts.
Parkway Parent • Oct 24, 2020 at 6:49 pm
Jason Truesdall, not one of us is saying that you aren’t allowed to speak your mind, yet you keep bringing up the same point and claiming we are saying that.. We understand your concerns and we are just trying to praise the article written. Please do not pick fights and use words such as “disgusting”. On the good note, this article is very well written and researched and whichever student wrote this should be very proud of themselves.
Greg Schade • Oct 24, 2020 at 1:44 pm
Extremely well written article with very valid viewpoints. For anyone to suggest that it was not the work of students is insulting to their hard work and abilities.
Jason Townsend • Oct 24, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Great job Pathfinder editorial board on a well written, informed article. I am very proud of you and grateful that I get to work with students like you. Shame on anyone who would suggest that this was anything but a well researched, carefully written editorial by a group of passionate students. I work with these kids everyday and know what they are capable of. I also know their sponsor and her incredible reputation and integrity. These students are taught how to become outstanding journalists, think for themselves, and to speak their minds. Nothing more. To suggest otherwise is uninformed and disrespectful to the hard work that these kids do.
Keep up the great work Pathfinder!!
Jason Truesdell • Oct 24, 2020 at 11:52 am
Parkway teacher 9:50 PM, yes, I do speak strongly about the kids returning to in person, because that is exactly what should happen. Most of the country has realized that hiding in one’s basement is not the way to keep this country functioning and our kids learning, developing work ethic, maturing, socially developing and dealing with adversity. I was particularly disturbed by on of Dr. Marty’s early comments in favor of virtual learning being that students, parents and faculty are enjoying more sleep and flexible schedules.
That’s not what the working world they will need to function in is about. As part of the ownership group of an essential business that keeps the supply chain going, my company has never closed it’s doors and our employees have been onsite in the office, with normal business hours, providing our customers with the services and goods they need to keep their businesses going. We have, of course, adhered to all guidelines and taken the necessary precautions to protect our employees and customers. So yes, I have been on the front lines, “in the line of fire”, since this “pandemic” began. We have had no employees get seriously ill and I have not brought death to my family. My wife has also continued to work her job as a social worker, virtually through her employers choice not her choice. When work is over, my wife has continued her normal routines socially outside the home, in person with people, using mandated and prudent precautions. She to has not brought death down on the family. My kids have continued their normal social interactions, with mandated and prudent precautions, save school. My son, for example, is on two baseball teams that have continued their seasons in spite of Sam Page. He also just completed his Parkway South cross country season in spite of ridiculous rules like only one spectator per runner over a 3.1 mile course, outside, in a public park. The irony is that for every baseball game we have to travel at least 30 minutes outside of St. Louis County wasting fuel, time and significantly increasing our carbon footprint. It’s time for this madness and rampant paranoia to end.
ambalb6720 • Oct 24, 2020 at 11:11 am
Hello,
There have been some theories that this editorial could not have been written by a student. Thank you, this is such high praise of our writing and we appreciate it.
To clear things up though, we put a lot of hard work into our student-run school newspaper. Every part of our writing process is student driven, from pitches to publication. The Editorial Board is comprised of a team of student editors. Any article written by the Editorial Board must be put to vote and approved by a majority before publication. This article, like every other article on our site, is student-written.
We are very lucky to have an amazing adviser who gives us a safe platform to use our voices and spark the change we want to see in the world. The protection offered by writing as a united Editorial Board is sometimes a key part of ensuring the safety of that platform, especially considering most of us are still minors.
Dee Levang • Oct 24, 2020 at 7:45 am
Thank you, Pathfinder Editorial Board, for publishing this piece. You presented fact-based reporting with many supporting links, and you kept your argument logical and thoughtful. The quality of writing that frequently comes from Pathfinder rivals that of many professional news outlets. Keep up the good work!
Shannon Dobson • Oct 23, 2020 at 11:49 pm
So well written, totally insightful, and absolutely true. As someone who is staying virtual for what looks like the rest of the year at this point, it is so reassuring seeing people agree with the issues that I have with the decisions from the board. You guys have spoken for so many of us that were drowned out by the loud voices demanding to return to school, and I thank you for that. Keep up the amazing work!
Diana • Oct 23, 2020 at 11:04 pm
As a longtime (now retired) Parkway teacher, I wholeheartedly agree with the opinions expressed in this piece.
As a former editor of the Pathfinder (40-plus years ago, yikes), I couldn’t be more proud of the journalistic standards you’ve all upheld. I’m so impressed with the quality of your writing and research — bravo to you all.
Pkwy teacher • Oct 23, 2020 at 9:50 pm
Jason Truesdell….You speak so strongly about students returning back to school but I wonder if you would feel the same if your wife was still working and in the line of fire to get it and bring it home to the rest of your family….. it’s all fun and games until it hits a little too close to home.
Daniel Glossenger • Oct 23, 2020 at 9:27 pm
This was exceptionally well-written, and thank you for your thoughtful engagement with this issue. I hope all of the leaders of all the schools in our region listen to you.
Tatyana • Oct 23, 2020 at 7:31 pm
“Why are our community leaders shifting opinions so suddenly when data hasn’t significantly changed?”
Before this decision was made the rate dropped from around 10% to around 5%. It gave an option for St.Louis County goverment to reccomend to return all kids to schools.
Parkway is following this reccomendation.
As Rockwood, as Kirkwood and other neighborhoods.
I think the person who wrote this article could not miss this info.
Parkway Educator • Oct 23, 2020 at 7:26 pm
I think we all realize that schools will reopen. The key is it be done in the safest possible manner? Students learn best with little disruption as possible. So it would have been logical to open schools in January, after the major communal holidays. A solid plan could be created and all teachers would be able to prepare for the new classes and possibly new buildings the will be in. Students were not “isolated” at home. Many have been playing sports, hanging out and going to parties. Others who did not had opportunities to meet with friends outside or in small groups. Doing school at home does not require someone cloister themselves away. That is a choice. Because of the rapid change from virtual to in person, many teachers will be teaching new subjects or teaching in person and virtually, possibly simultaneously. Students will required to sit in desk for 90+ minutes at a time. There will be no small group work. This quick change actually diminishes the quality education for all students. Virtually students could learn at her or his own pace. That won’t happen in person because every teacher has to stay on track in case they or class needs to quarantine. This has become a political game as opposed to a logic puzzle. If safety was a concern every person would be tested prior to in person and there would be random testing for everyone in the buildings. This is how many universities have stayed open and safe. It’s possible to do both with a good plan. Comparing actual Covid cases is also a misnomer, because when students isolate for close contact, the do not have to test, not do the have to test to return. So, take the time time to make a good plan. Listen to all parties, and stop treating others as enemies. We ALL wants what’s best for kids. Teachers give their live for that belief, for more and more that has happened literally.
Julia Simpson • Oct 23, 2020 at 7:26 pm
No one is disputing how well written this is which leads me to wonder who actually wrote this and I feel as though that person(s) should take personal credit for their work. The Pathfinder is a publication that was created to allow students to experience journalism, not a forum for educators to push their personal agendas. Overwhelmingly Parkway parents made it clear their desire was to return to school. Data from the state and county support that it is safe to do so. Voices have been heard. The board made a good decision. I remind you the board vote was 7-0! Yes, we have work to do. Let’s get that work done by collaborating how to create the most successful enviornment in regards to education and safety possible. It’s is being done all around us. Parkway is a leader in this community….now is our chance to shine. Let our kids learn!
Gweneth Abernathy • Oct 23, 2020 at 6:10 pm
It’s not entirely true that we have the choice of either distance or in person learning. My student S and I have been trying for the past few weeks to change to distance learning, due to the lack of confidence in the district’s plan, as well as some newly emerging health issues my student is now facing, and the fact that there are three adults in the home with numerous health underlying health issues that make them at great risk if my student were to bring the virus home.
Debbie Van Ryn • Oct 23, 2020 at 4:42 pm
Reading this piece makes me proud to be a Parkway educator. It was well written and the tone was perfect. The BOE is wrong in their decision and demonstrated incorrect reasoning. I am very disappointed with the willful ignorance displayed by so many in our community. We are better than this and Parkway does not care.
Parkway Teacher • Oct 23, 2020 at 4:35 pm
It’s only somewhat true that we could choose virtual if we were concerned.
– Teachers could NOT choose virtual. Some were allowed to due to heath concerns, but those that are healthy but desired to teach from home generally did not have a choice.
– Families could only choose virtual if they were privileged enough to have a stay at home or working from home parent, or a friend/relative/nanny who could watch their children during the day. Many families who shared childcare lost that option when school started.
Kim H-W • Oct 23, 2020 at 4:20 pm
Your argument is beautifully crafted. You have spoken truth to power and have learned the power of the pen. I am so proud of all of you for speaking up for safety and speaking out against community spread.
Jason Truesdell • Oct 23, 2020 at 4:03 pm
Is there a reason why my last post was deleted? If others can state they are “disgusted” by those that are happy to see school return to in person, why am I censored advocating for choice?
Debra Klevens • Oct 23, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Your comment was not deleted. See above.
Jason Truesdell • Oct 23, 2020 at 3:38 pm
I’m confused by your comments Chris Porter. Are you saying that in person learning will lead to certain death and virtual schooling in ineffective? Is the third option no school whatsoever? To me it’s simple. Those who want to remain isolated from the world can choose virtual and do so. If virtual learning is not up to standards, they then have a choice to make. Should all students be made to suffer and live under the same conditions as those too consumed by fear to venture out live under? As taxpayers, we are paying for a service and the facilities to perform that service. I would argue that the schools are essential and thus should have never closed, much like other elements of essential infrastructure.
Chris Porter • Oct 23, 2020 at 3:14 pm
People keep saying peopLe can choose virtual and not have any impact but this is not true. Virtual kids have been shuffled like a deck of cards and some don’t even have teachers from their “home” schools. I am also disgusted by the people that have had return to school parties celebrating some kids returning to school, I will celebrate when all kids can safely go back to school and avoid these potential super spreader events that will probably close the schools anyway. I also find it ironic that some people who pushed for schools to reopen are the same people who ran around clueless and had block parties and acted like this wasn’t an issue and they got the virus and now feel that everyone else should go back to school because they think they are immune.
Cassandra Saxon • Oct 23, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Thank you for this well written article. While I understand your concern, please go to https://showmestrong.mo.gov/data/public-health/. Click on the demographics tab and look at the graph showing case rates by age. High School students are overwhelmingly in the 15-17 age group. This age group has a low positivity rate. Including data on 18 year olds of which many are not in high school and 19 year olds who are not in high school in the decision of what to do with high school education does not seem logical. In addition, according the Parkway website, the positivity rate for 15-19 year olds has decreased to 5.7%. I too am upset that the BOE was using invalid data to sway things in their favor. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt that when they realized their error or better data became available to them, they adjusted their decision accordingly. This article along with reviewing the data on the dashboard may help you understand the BOE’s decision. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/21/925794511/were-the-risks-of-reopening-schools-exaggerated?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR39irCH88C7HM7lC9-rAciJQTSQeYBfchPe2Mp4ZoAjNEQpTYk2RkGAHW4. It may also help to review the CDC’s guidelines on reopening schools. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/reopening-schools.html?fbclid=IwAR0xgUy1HzQCC31e1dJvgSH0JCjNSnJkZXB9tsNyVsSYxwyBDTElMGT4EUg
As far as school not looking the same, it does not look the same now. Students are not sitting with their friends at lunch. They are not chatting in the halls. For some, the only communication they have with their friends is via social media. There is much research and many statements by mental health experts on the detrimental effects of social isolation and social media in teens. Currently in our area, inpatient beds for teens and young adults in mental health crisis are in high demand and it is taking months to get into a mental health practitioner. Teenagers and young adults are at a higher risk of harm from a mental health crisis than they are illness from COVID. For largely unknow reasons COVID does not effect them as it does adults. As I am sure you are aware, approximately 75% of all COVID deaths are in those over the age of 70.
I don’t think anyone is expecting school to be the same. Nothing is normal right now. We all must adapt. I think we need to be prepared that school is NEVER going to be the same with our current mindset. The current goal efficacy percentage for the COVID-19 vaccine is 50-60%. Unless a 100% effective vaccine becomes available, there will still be deaths from COVID. A 100% effective vaccine will not be able for many years, if ever. Are you prepared to never go back to school if it doesn’t look the same? I can understand why you might not be comfortable, so I hope that Parkway will make the Virtual Campus a permanent option for you and anyone else that needs it. My children are doing great learning virtually thanks in part to their amazing teachers and their privilege of being in a family with parents at home and the means of providing every possible opportunity to them. Unfortunately not everyone is in this situation. Many have hurdles that make virtual learning nearly impossible. Parkway has a responsibility to all of their students. They also have a responsibility to their staff, as does every employer, to provide PPE. Parents and students could also help with this by organizing a PPE drive and being vigilant about following safety guidelines. I am glad they are taking this responsibility seriously using valid data and sound analytical skills.
Zaven Nalbandian • Oct 23, 2020 at 2:58 pm
Interesting take that the argument of schools closed is creating more harm. If that were true then their should’ve been no need to close anything. The student arguments make a compelling case and the editorial disproves a few statements. Parkway does not make equal choices for all. Many teachers who chose virtual will be required to attend school anyway. Some courses that students want to take will not be offered in the virtual environment (this belies the 14th amendment argument, because it does create separate unequal schools). Freedom does exist in the BIll of Rights, this is plainly true but the general welfare has often and consistently taken precedence over individual liberty, as a mountain of case law would demonstrate. In desperate times, like those we are living through, it is imperative that public institutions such as school districts act with the health and safety of the community as the paramount goal.
Susan Santhuff • Oct 23, 2020 at 2:44 pm
Excellent, well written and supported article! I don’t necessarily agree, but your article makes me think, and raises great questions everyone should be thinking about.
Joanna Fiehler • Oct 23, 2020 at 2:27 pm
The data from around the US and worldwide shows that keeping schools closed is creating more harm than good.
The anxiety rate and depression among teens is growing. I greatly care and I am concerned about the mental health of teenager’s that are being deprived of an education and social interactions. Virtual learning was a suitable method in the beginning of COVID-19, but no longer is needed. To keep students home while the rest of the world is opening up, is not the answer, it is the opposite, it will do much greater harm than good.
A family can still choose to stay virtual, no one is taking away anyone’s choice. One of the wonderful things our country offers is our freedom, and under the 14th Amendment we have the right to have an education. Additionally, over all the US Constitution and The Bill of Rights gives US citizens rights and freedoms, like the right to choose to send our children to in-person school over virtual.
Students have spoken, hundreds what to be back to in-person learning. Here is a link to a petition created by a student, 362 people signed the petition is under a week. Take a look and read the 108 comments left by students and parent.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/getting-parkway-student-back-in-school?fbclid=IwAR2h5xux0_g2jyu0fLQs9jt0A4uxHE0TChFhqbtFO-wO4TpWrSSELvrp97w
The CDC had guidelines to safely open schools. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/reopening-schools.html
I urge you to read an article NPR has published. I have added a few quotes from the article and a direct link.
Nowhere, the research found, was there a spike that coincided with reopening: “What we found is that the school [being opened] makes absolutely no difference,” Álvarez told NPR.
“There is no consistent pattern,” said Dr. Randa Grob-Zakhary, who heads the organization. “It’s not that closing schools leads to a decrease in cases, or that opening schools leads to a surge in cases.”
“The data so far are not indicating that schools are a superspreader site,” said Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan’s medical school.
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/21/925794511/were-the-risks-of-reopening-schools-exaggerated?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR0ogjb5VguQmyYHPgceZmNDYqDbADXRbzMcngONX5Git1TDGou7ygcA99g
Dominique Navarro • Oct 23, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Great job! Could you please forward to the Board of Education and superintendents?
Melinda Untiedt • Oct 23, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Thank you for speaking truth to power.
Jeff Chazen • Oct 23, 2020 at 1:38 pm
WOW…..well stated. Well articulated and perfect mix of informational and common sense; 2 qualities lacking in many of our elected officials.
Tommie C Rowe • Oct 23, 2020 at 1:37 pm
GREAT JOB!!!!!
Joel Anderson • Oct 23, 2020 at 1:20 pm
agreed, well said
Angie Lolley • Oct 23, 2020 at 11:15 am
You make a strong arguement and I love that you are using your voice and speaking for the kids and staff that feel the same. I, too, was disappointed that the biard chose to send high school back without seeing a plan. Nicely done.