Do you think parents are very torn for school choices?

They would have had the luxury of sending them to my MIL,  that does not believe these particular grandchildren could possibly infect her with anything. 

We had to make a major decision for our kids and not as simple as in person or virtual. It feels like there is no right answer and there will be guilt no matter what. And if “something” happens then the guilt will continue to pile up. I realize that the stress of our decisions pale in comparison to those of single parents and working parents, but damn it still sucks. I like being in control, like really like being in control (enneagram 1 🙋🏻‍♀️), but part of me just wants to go one day without making a big decision or second guessing a decision I already made. Having choices feels like a double edged sword. If this doesn’t end up being the best or right choice, it was mine and I will feel responsible.

In our situation, our older kids were at a very small private school where we were happy. I began asking questions this month about their plans and wasn’t happy with what I heard. No masks for anyone and just doing their best to distance (because most people want a “normal” experience) paired with “at least this surge will get us closer to herd immunity”. Oh hell to the no! Our public school district is small and rural, but offering in person and virtual. Putting aside our academic concerns, they would be masks when necessary (read buses and hallways) for in person and we still don’t have a plan for virtual even though school starts in 2 weeks. So those options suck too. So do we homeschool? We were in a hybrid program and did pretty well, but I know the limits of my ability and it wouldn’t be good for any of us. So next option... we had the opportunity to hire my son’s first grade teacher (who is amazing and we adored). But what happens if/when her kids’ public school gets shut down, what about my kids getting no social interaction to speak of for another 9 months. Ugh. You can see why part of me wishes I didn’t have to make a decision at this point. We ended up hiring the former teacher. One child is thrilled and rolling with it the other is still mad at me 3 days later about leaving behind school and friends. In my heart I feel like we made the best and safest choice for our family, and we are so lucky to even have the choice and means to make it, but it still sucks for all of us. Sorry for the long ramble but I am so tired of making big decisions. But I would probably complain if the decision were out of our hands too. Everything feels like a no win situation at this point 😏

We don't have a choice. As of now, it is 100% in person. Today, I'm okay with that. Ask me tomorrow and I might have changed my mind.

It's definitely a struggle. Our district sent out a survey in mid-June to ask if our preference was in-person or virtual learning. I indicated in-person at the time, but our area hadn't had it's recent case explosion yet. Our preference is now virtual for at least the first 9 week period, but it's looking like it will be that way regardless.

Our district in MI is giving the option of in person or distance learning, not both. From reading the posts on our local FB page, many are sending their kids in person. Some dont think the virus is a big deal, others think their kids will develop serious psychological issues if they don’t see their friends, others found homeschooling too challenging, others have to go back to work so need childcare, some have SEN children who need in person teaching, etc.
Others are really agonising over the decision, especially if they have a vulnerable adult living at home. The distance learning curriculum doesn’t allow for some accelerated courses or more than two AP classes for older kids so that’s a big consideration for MS and HS parents. A few have said they’re going to opt out altogether and create small homeschool groups for younger kids.
The district are pretty open about their plans and are holding virtual town hall meetings to answer parents’ questions.
They want decisions by August 1st, but parents are requesting an extra week to make their final decision once they roll out their final plans.
We’ve chosen to do distance learning for 9th grade. DS doesn’t care either way.

Ds's district hasn't officially released their plan, but i have inside knowledge. They are going 100% in person, no mandates, bought some clorox wipes and sanitizer.

This dumb ass backward fucking place is so full of antimaskers. I've always loved our small town, but this just shows how ignorant they are


Eta: ds will go to school because he has no other choice. I hope he will wear his mask,but I think the peer pressure will get to him and he won't

I was very torn about making a decision for my children who are both in high school. We had the option of hybrid or 100% online. Both children want to go back to school.

As an elementary teacher, I have very mixed feelings about being in the classroom. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of not working (sahmwannabe lol).

Just yesterday, our school board unanimously agreed to begin our school year 100% online. This was after they had already announced the hybrid model was an option. As bothmykidsrbrats said upthread, what came to Vegas stayed in Vegas. Our numbers are up. I’m grateful the school board said no to meeting in class for now. They will monitor and adjust what the school district provides as the number of cases changes.

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. Is distant learning ideal? No, but our collective health should be the number one priority.

Edited to add that when going back to school was an option (2 days per week), masks were required for EVERYONE unless there were special needs.

I’m sad for my fellow educators in other districts who are being forced to teach in conditions with so little regard for everyone’s safety.

Im fortunate that I can work from home. I’m also fortunate that my kids are high schoolers and can be home alone, even if I did have to be at work. It was a no-brainer for me. Not torn at all. Safety for all can really only be achieved if there is no in-person. But I know that circumstances for everyone aren’t the same.

There are also other factors at play besides exposure. One of my friends has very limited English (and her husband has less). Her daughters do speak English because they have attended school and daycare but they are 1st and 2nd grade so very young and don't read well enough to do it on their own. She told me this week that trying to help her kids  with online classes is beyond her English speaking skill and that it takes hours because she has to use translator programs to help her. She also really can't afford for one of them to stay home. Their daycare may be offering additional programs/teachers for home schooled kids during the day but it will probably increase her daycare costs by 2 to 3 times or more and they also can't afford that.

So her choices are to send her children to school if it is even open and hope that it doesn't get closed (it will), leave her job to stay home and spend frustrating hours for all of them because of her limited English (which they can't afford), or hope that the daycare has another solution (which she also likely won't be able to afford).