Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to take my 7-year-old son back to in-person school after a two-week break due to COVID-19 restrictions. To say it was a pleasure would be an understatement; it was a privilege.
I am fortunate enough to send my child to a small private school. This choice wasn’t made lightly or simply to dodge public school closures. Although I support public education wholeheartedly, I felt it was necessary to choose a private institution three years ago due to my son’s specific health needs.
My son is on medication for an autoimmune condition, making him immunocompromised. Even before the pandemic, I was worried about keeping his environment safe and limited. The current circumstances have only intensified that concern.
Despite the challenges we face, I am acutely aware of how privileged we are to enroll him in such a wonderful school. Not everyone has the same options. Public schools in our area have been closed for the entire year, and families are struggling to juggle work while managing virtual learning.
Meanwhile, my son’s school has implemented stringent safety measures in line with CDC guidelines, while local public schools couldn’t even provide teachers with necessary protective equipment. It feels unjust that bars and restaurants have been allowed to operate while children have been denied vital in-person learning opportunities.
I recognize the weight of this privilege, which influences our daily choices. We have essentially isolated ourselves to protect our school community and the larger community. We haven’t dined at restaurants in months, I do curbside grocery pickups, and we’ve had to forego activities like my son’s dance classes, which he had eagerly anticipated. Our usual holiday gatherings have been canceled, and we’ve limited our interactions to one family in our “bubble” for childcare support and friendship.
While I won’t pretend it’s easy, I’ve come to understand that I would give up almost everything else for my child to attend in-person classes. I know many families share this sentiment but lack the same resources to make it happen.
That’s why adhering to COVID-19 health guidelines is critical for me. I would never want to jeopardize my son’s school or contribute to the spread of the virus in our community, which would further restrict access to public schooling for those who need it.
As a single mom, I faced significant challenges during the shutdowns, attempting to balance work and home-schooling. It was overwhelming, and my son needed in-person education for both his sake and mine. My heart goes out to families who face the same struggles but don’t have the same options.
This is why it’s so disheartening to see other families in privileged situations send their kids to in-person school while neglecting the necessary sacrifices to protect their communities. Families dining out, hosting gatherings, and disregarding public health guidelines while schools remain closed only exacerbate the situation.
I understand this year has been challenging for all of us. Giving up the things we enjoy feels unjust. However, it’s just one year, and the sacrifices we make now are crucial for protecting lives and securing a safer future.
If your child is currently attending in-person school, recognize the privilege you hold. You have a responsibility to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines not only to keep your school safe but also to help lower transmission rates in the broader community so that public schools can reopen for those who need them most.
It’s a straightforward conclusion, but it requires commitment from those in privileged positions. It pains me to see how many are unwilling to make these sacrifices.
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In summary, while the privilege of sending your child to in-person school is significant, it comes with the responsibility to adhere strictly to health guidelines. This ensures the safety of not only your child and their school but also the wider community, allowing for a healthier environment for all families.