The Dangers of Reopening Schools
- fionacsweet
- Aug 9, 2020
- 2 min read
A Georgia school that had previously reopened for only a week is now moving to online learning after reporting 9 cases of COVID-19. This same high school came under scrutiny last week when a student shared a photo on Twitter of a crowded hallway where the majority of students were not wearing masks. (the photo is this cover photo)
Principal Gabe Carmona wrote in a letter Saturday that "six students and three staff members who were in school for at least some time last week ... have since reported to us that they have tested positive." The official letter from Paulding County Schools Superintendant Brian Otott stated this: "As a result of our being informed of nine cases of Covid-19 at North Paulding High School following the first week of in-person instruction, along with the possibility that number could increase if there are currently pending tests that prove positive, we have consulted with the Department of Public Health and are temporarily switching the instructional method to Digital Learning at NPHS." As of now, the high school is only offering distance learning on Monday and Tuesday. Afterwards, families will be notified what the next step is (whether they will continue distance learning or reopen the school). During this time, the school is being disinfected and cleaned. The Georgia Department of Public Health is also working to identify anyone who had contact with the people who tested positive.
The girl who shared the photo on Twitter stated that she shared the photo because she was concerned with the safety of her and her classmates. She is faced with the same problem that all of us students are faced with. Distance learning doesn't afford us as good of an education, but it is safer than going to school. I personally will choose my safety over a slightly lesser education each time. I am also thankful that if we start up school again, our school has a mandatory mask order. That school did not, and that is why they had so many students without masks on. Hopefully we can learn from their mistakes and be safer when reopening schools.
Comentários