Parents, teachers weigh in on how schools should look come fall
Lidia Ryan
In late June, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that schools would resume in-person learning in the fall with safety protocols in place (i.e. face coverings for students and teachers). Many parents, teachers and residents shared strong opinions about the announcement in a Hearst Connecticut Media poll.
Then, we asked readers to let us know their thoughts on how school should look come fall.
RELATED: Face masks in school a hot-button issue for CT parents, teachers
An informal poll of 128 people showed that respondents' opinions are split almost down the middle in terms of preferring in-person learning in the fall versus distance/virtual learning. According to the poll results, 51.2 percent would like to continue virtual schooling while 48.8 percent prefer in-person classes to resume. The majority (83.5 percent) of respondents were parents.
Jessica Christian / The Chronicle
A second-grader wears a mask at a school in Marin City, Calif., on June 23, 2020.
A number of poll respondents said they hope to see a review of material from the past school year in the fall. "I would like a review of the last few months of distance learning," wrote Melissa Dube, a parent from Stamford. Rebekah Pomeroy, a parent from North Haven echoed the sentiment saying she hopes for, "a strong review of end of last years concepts for the start of the next grade."
An emphasis on emotional wellness, socialization and playtime was also mentioned. "Focus on play, outdoor education, and social-emotional, and anti bias/anti racism learning regardless if in person or online," said parent Rebecca Cohen of New Haven.
Scroll to see some of the other ideas, suggestions and thoughts parents, teachers, students and others had.
Marie D. De Jesús/Staff photographer
Michelle Barwinski, teacher and parent — Madison resident
"As a science teacher in CT for over 20 years, I do not think cohorting is good for high school. With K-8 it's the norm, but high schoolers need different groups of students with whom to interact and they are also more responsible with regard to keeping on masks and good hygiene. Furthermore, they are better able to explain symptoms they may be having.
"Additionally, kids need sports...Teens need an outlet for energy and competition as well as the physical fitness and friendships and teamwork that comes from sports...Students and their families have also been working hard for years in hopes that their talents are recognized by schools with the hope that students can give back to a school with their talents and families can have a financial break with tuition, which may be necessary for some students to attend college at all."
Second grade students wear masks at Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Marin City, Calif. Tuesday, June 23, 2020.
Melanie Przygocki, parent — Bristol resident
"I think for distance learning it would be very helpful to have some sort of list for parents either weekly or monthly on what assignment the kids were getting, and when they were due so parents had a heads up beforehand to catch up on our own to be better able to help our children when they had questions.
"I'd prefer to keep my kids home until things start to get better. But yes I feel very strongly that hand washing, washing not just using sanitizer, and distancing students is important. I also believe mask wearing is important but don't think it's a good idea for kids to wear them all day. The only real safe way to wear masks is to avoid touching it, to avoid touching the mask to any surface at any time and to wash your hands every single time its touched! I just don't see that happening."
Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media
Graduates at the Sheehan High School graduation ceremony in Wallingford on July 6, 2020.
Jessie Ruzicka, teacher — Norwalk resident
"Standardized testing should not take place due to the fact that students missed 1/3 of the school year last year and many parents will opt to keep their kids home from school. Teachers should not have a required curriculum as students will be entering far below grade level due to missed school. Teachers should be trusted to adapt the curriculum as they see fit to meet the needs of their students. This includes the social emotional support many students will need.
"I think that enforcing any of [the safety] measures is a daunting task. I've been trying for 15 years to get my students to 'socially distance' by keeping their hands to themselves and not touching other students' property. I'm not sure that this year will be any different. I also struggle to have students dress in dress code, so I'm sure wearing masks will fit into that category. I believe that to enforce these protocols, my day will be spent primarily monitoring hygiene and not teaching."
Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media
Interim Superintendent Beth Smith waves to attendees during the first of three graduation ceremonies held Wednesday for the Shelton High School Class of 2020, in Shelton, Conn. July 8, 2020.
Tanya Wiedeking, parent — New Haven
"I would like to see (older) children participate in keeping the schools clean, rather than there being the expectation that this be handled entirely by custodial staff. They should wipe down their own desks, for example."