In a perfect world, returning to school would be an easy decision if the positive rate for COVID-19 was under 5% in our community for 2 weeks AND the schools were able to follow all of the CDC’s safety guidelines As of now, our positive rate is dramatically higher than 5% and schools are scrambling to figure out which of the safety guidelines are realistic and affordable.
In these less than perfect times, Dr. Weiss is encouraging all parents to be informed about the options their schools are providing for attendance in person, virtually, or a combination of both, the precautions that will be in place, and the family’s work and other needs. There is no one right decision. Every family will have to decide what’s best for them.
Here are a few resources to help you make an informed decision:
Florida COVID Action Case Data from DOH (updated hourly)
CNN Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Why I Am Not Sending My Kids Back to School
A Pediatrician Answers Your Question about Going Back to School Or Online Learning (07/15/2020)
The Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics letter to Governor DeSantis citing r
Reasons why children should not be back in classrooms next month. (07/19/2020)
In Person or At Home: How to Provide a Consistent Educational Environment during a Pandemic, Stacie Herrara Psy.D & Ethan Weiss, M.S., LCSW (07/19/2020)
Pediatricians, Educators and Superintendents Urge a Safe Return to School This Fall (07/10/2020)
Return to School During COVID-19-Healthychildren.org (07/14/20)
Mental Health & School Re-entry (07/13/20)
School District of Manatee County Return to School (07/14/2020)
School District of Manatee County Return to School Frequently Asked Questions (07/14/2020)
Sarasota County Schools Back to School Plan (07/15)2020)