Letters to the Editor

Let Us Set the Example

Dear Editor:

I was very saddened last week to see tensions flare in our community over the decision to send all students back to school for in-person learning on April 5.  Superintendent Lisa Howard presented a reasonable, logical, staggered return-to-school plan, taking into consideration safety, equity, state requirements, health guidelines, and countless other factors. While many teachers are parents, and can understand the challenges faced with children learning at home, most parents haven’t experienced the hurdles teachers face, teachers can’t imagine what the principals face, and none of us can imagine what the Superintendent needs to consider. That is why I was disappointed when the School Committee disregarded Superintendent Howard’s advice and forged ahead with an April 5 opening for all students. Nevertheless, the Winthrop teachers will continue to rise to the occasion and provide outstanding educational opportunities to all students.They have gone above and beyond every day, keeping students engaged,  fairly and equitably, remotely and simultaneously, in-person, creating a much more challenging and difficult job! 

Although everyone agrees that it is better for children’s education and mental health to be in person in the pre-pandemic “regular” school model, unfortunately, that is not possible right now.  Even when children go back to in-person learning, it is going to look and feel very different than before. We all need to consider that in-person learning, in the current atmosphere, will not be a cure-all. This pandemic is still providing only bad choices. There really are no good ones. With that in mind, everyone needs be respectful of each other. Social media is certainly not the place to be airing grievances.  All that does is create a larger divide in our community. 

Someday this pandemic will be over and hopefully our community can heal.  Let’s show our children how to be respectful and kind.  That is what we are teaching them in school!

Leslee Cummings Kfoury