By Bo Yun V. Brainerd
As the start of the new school year approaches, parents, students and teachers must beg the question once again, health or education? Why must one choose? What does the future entail? For my child? For myself?
Branford Public Schools finally released their online and in-person learning plan for students, dividing them into two separate cohorts, Orange and Blue. However, as the first day of school keeps getting delayed, now being September 10th, ambiguity is stagnant.
Din Durmic, a Branford High school senior and one of the captains of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team stated, “The method for returning to school is completely ineffective and inefficient for keeping the students safe. Groups aren’t a safety precaution, and we’re still obligated to attend if someone receives COVID, it doesn’t make sense.”
The option of learning all online was provided, and remains on the Branford Public Schools’ website. Limitations, obligations and expectations are explicitly stated as well as the various options available for students which include: homeschooling, remote learning and in-person.
In regards to the actual return of students within classrooms, that doesn’t occur in Branford until Sept. 21. Yet, janitors and administrators are still preparing the school according to CDC Health regulations. It is expected then, to at all times be wearing a mask, appear on the proper days and provide a 10 day warning if you plan on entering the school.
“Students will be expected to join their class using Google Meet or other tools each day at the scheduled time,” BHS principal Lee Panagoulias said. He added that “BHS teachers will be reaching out to [students] before September 10th with an invite so that you can join each class on the first day.”
Still, the struggle endures for Pre-K through elementary school parents who are unable to stay home with their children and must send them in, even if they wish to not have them attend. Older families, teachers with pre-existing conditions and asthmatic students are just more at risk than others, and should not have to choose between their education and their health, which thankfully won’t have to.
Undoubtedly, this virus has forever changed the course of our everyday lives. Whether that be through financial distress, mental health issues, or simple setbacks, it is to be known that everything will be okay. Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez reassured families that “The safety of students and staff has and will continue to be our top priority.”
The Branford Board of Education, the BPS Administration and the State of Connecticut are all trying to take into consideration the individual requests and concerns of all who reach out. Indeed, the existing conditions of our return to school are novel and worrisome.
However, as a town we are enduring these experiences together and will triumphantly come out on the other side. Remember this is not solely about one child or student, it is about the safety of all who are coming back to school, and about all who are in our community.
School should nevertheless be as exciting and important this upcoming year. Clubs like Model Congress, Student Council and Sports will remain running and scheduled for meetings and games.
