Schools taking smart approach to re-opening

Hamtramck Public School officials are undertaking one of the hardest decisions they have had to make: Bringing students back into classrooms during a pandemic.
It’s been a year since students have been in school. At the last school board meeting, the board was presented with a plan to begin gradually bring back students.
The district is starting with students who have the most need: those who are learning the English language, special needs kids and those students who are falling behind.
Without a doubt, virtual learning is a challenge, and one that most folks agree is a distant second to actual in-person learning.
But then, no one expected a deadly pandemic to descend on the country and the world.
Teachers are understandably hesitant to return to classroom learning. They are putting themselves in direct contact with the students, some of whom could end up being carriers of the virus.
Fortunately, teachers were given a chance to be vaccinated – but there is no proof that it will keep them immune to any of the new strains of COVID that are emerging.
We are confident, however, that district officials are taking the proper precautionary steps.
We all want to return to our normal lives. But we have to do it in a smart way, and listen to what medical officials are telling us.

Posted Feb. 26, 2021