Yesterday morning, I had the unique opportunity to take my 7-year-old son back to in-person classes after a two-week COVID-related break. It’s not just a pleasure; it’s a privilege.
I am fortunate enough to send my child to in-person school at a small private institution. This choice wasn’t made this year to dodge public school closures; rather, it was a thoughtful decision made three years ago when I enrolled him in private kindergarten. While I firmly support public education, I felt that private schooling was necessary due to my son’s health and specific needs.
My son is on a chemotherapy medication to manage an autoimmune condition diagnosed when he was just four years old. His compromised immune system has made me cautious about keeping his environment small and safe long before the pandemic. Current events have only amplified that need.
Despite the added challenges stemming from my son’s health, I understand how fortunate we are to have access to such an incredible school. Many families in our neighborhood, like millions across the country, are struggling with virtual schooling while juggling the demands of work. Public schools in our area have remained closed, leaving students and parents in difficult situations.
My son’s school has gone above and beyond to adhere to CDC guidelines, while local public schools have struggled to provide basic protective equipment for their teachers. It’s frustrating to see businesses like bars and restaurants open for in-person dining while students are left without essential educational support.
I fully recognize the privilege we have and take it seriously. This awareness shapes every choice we make. Outside of school, we are essentially in lockdown mode, prioritizing the safety of our school and community.
We haven’t dined at a restaurant in eight months. I do curbside grocery pickups. We opted out of my son’s dance classes, which he longed for, because they were more of a want than a need. I’ve intentionally limited social interactions, missing my friends dearly. Our Thanksgiving plans have been canceled, and I suspect Christmas will follow suit. The only other family in our social bubble is one with similar restrictions, as we both needed support for childcare and companionship for our children.
I won’t pretend this is easy. However, I’ve realized I would give up almost everything to ensure my child can attend in-person school. I know many families share this sentiment but lack the same options.
That brings me to the responsibility of those in similar privileged positions who are sending their kids to in-person classes while refusing to make sacrifices to protect their communities.
There are families dining out, hosting gatherings, complaining about mask mandates, throwing birthday parties, and continuing youth sports despite school closures. Some are even planning large holiday celebrations when smaller gatherings would suffice.
I understand that this year has been tough, and giving up things we enjoy feels unfair. I’m navigating these challenges just like everyone else. But we must remember: it’s one year. We are protecting lives and ensuring a safer future for all.
If your child is currently attending school in person, you are privileged, and with that privilege comes the responsibility to adhere to all COVID-19 health recommendations. This is essential for the safety of your school community and to help bring down community transmission rates so that public schools can reopen for those who desperately need them.
It’s not a difficult conclusion to reach, but it does require commitment and sacrifice from those in privileged positions. It pains me to see how many are unwilling to make that effort.
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Summary
This article emphasizes the privilege of families who can send their children to in-person schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The author reflects on the sacrifices made to maintain a safe environment for their child, who has health challenges. They encourage other privileged families to recognize their responsibilities in following health guidelines to protect their communities and support public schooling.
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- How to ensure safe in-person schooling during COVID-19?
- Responsibilities of parents with kids in private school.
- Balancing work and virtual schooling for children.
- Health guidelines for schools during the pandemic.
- Impact of COVID-19 on public school education.