New School Year, New Covid Variant

By. Meredith Biesinger

It seems like we were just getting over some of the Covid-19 hurdles of last school year, doesn’t it? There seemed to be hope for some normalcy for this upcoming school year, and I, like you, was so excited to return to some regular routines.

However, the Delta variant has quickly turned things around for several regions across the country and the world. Currently, many of us are thinking, “now what?”

In Mississippi, there is increasing division between parents, students, and educators concerning the vaccine, masks, and how to handle another school year amid another Covid crisis. I don’t have a one size fits all answer because there’s not one. 

As an educator, I believe all children should be in school, in person. It’s in school where they are provided with various learning opportunities and experiences, not to mention additional services (if needed). On the flip side of this, I also understand parent’s and family’s concerns about sending their children to school during a pandemic, especially those with health issues in the home. 

Several school districts have already done away with virtual learning for this year. Did they take this away too quickly? I believe they did. Virtual learning should still be an option while we continue to learn more about the different variants and outcomes of Covid-19. 

Additionally, virtual learning should always be an option for families with extenuating circumstances, such as a family member with cancer. 

Frustrations are growing in the deep south, as parents are pulling students out of school because they no longer want their children to have to wear masks to school every day, or they refuse to have their children vaccinated. We are seeing several grassroots homeschool groups popping up and a strong push for things to go back “to normal.” Indeed it is a time of great turmoil and continuous change. 

School districts are trying to use the data they have from local hospitals, the CDC, and local government leaders to try and make the best decisions for their students and their faculty and staff. Several districts have varying policies, which is incredibly frustrating for parents and educators.  I like to bring it back to what matters most, or what should matter most…our students. Students need to learn, and they need to learn in a safe environment. My interpretation of a safe environment as a parent and educator is a kind, clean, protected environment where students learn daily and interact with their teachers and peers.