August is National Back to School Month. Back to school really has added meaning since March of 2020! Who knew that hybrid and virtual learning would be a thing? We have learned quite a bit since school doors closed due to Covid 19. We have a better idea of how Covid 19 is transmitted, the impact that it has on children, and how to lessen our chances of becoming infected by Covid 19 and the Delta variant. Why the national push for the return to in-person learning in the fall? Because during the pandemic, we also learned some important lessons about children’s academic, social and mental health needs. No matter how intentional the home environment, it is it difficult to provide a similar academic and social experience at home. Children learn best in an academic environment and need to be with their peers to support their social and emotional well- being. While it is natural, valid, and relatable, to have concerns about the return to in-person learning, I strongly encourage everyone to take the information that we have learned about Covid 19 and use it to work with your school system in providing a safer school experience for children in the fall of 2021. If you've decided that hybrid or virtual learning is the best choice for your family, consider ways to keep your child connected to friends who have returned to school. Your feelings about the upcoming school year will impact your child’s feelings about it. Let’s get informed and work together to provide children with that excitement and anticipation that comes with going back to school!
