Art by: Sathvik Manam

The schools are doing the best they can do during this pandemic, so cut them a little slack on social media.

As cases rise and winter vacations approach, the school district will be shifting into fully remote learning for the holiday season. This will be a period of five and a half weeks from Monday, Nov. 23 to Tuesday, Jan. 19.

After seeing recent messages floating around social media, I think it’s important to take a look at the facts from students’ and teachers’ perspectives. This year has been filled with uncertainty and it is understandable that many families are struggling right now. It must be incredibly difficult for parents to figure out what to do with their small children. However, we’re in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, and this time requires people to be more understanding, everyone should still be respectful of each other’s differing situations. 

As a parent, it’s your job to set a good example for your children. As a student, I know I need my parents to help motivate me and be supportive. Is complaining and creating drama the best way to help with your child’s success in remote learning?

Assumption #1: The school district is encouraging teachers and students to travel during the holiday season.

This statement is completely wrong. The school has done nothing but try to protect students and their families during this school year. They know that people leaving the state, going to visit family, and ignoring social distancing is inevitable. This is an unfortunate fact, but by going remote the school is preventing a potential rise in confirmed cases. This transition will allow us to have a smooth and easy transition into remote learning. Creating a remote period will leave time for students and staff to quarantine in order to protect their peers. 

 These new remote requirements are nothing compared to the problems that others in the world are experiencing. People need to wrap their heads around the fact that people are getting sick and DYING.

Also, it is never okay to shame a person for contracting COVID-19. Not everyone who gets infected is being ignorant. You can catch it from something as simple as going through the Dunkin’s drive-through.

Assumption #2: It’s the easy way out for teachers and the school.

Saying that remote schooling is the easy way out for teachers is far from the truth. Creating a fully remote curriculum is complicated and stressful. Teachers are just as overwhelmed and scared as you are. They are human too. As a student I’ve seen firsthand how hard the teachers have worked to create a successful learning environment for us. They work day in and day out to make sure we all are as successful as we can be during this time. 

Teachers don’t want to go remote either, but they understand the need for it at this moment. They want to be in the classroom with their students— that’s the reason they became teachers in the first place. Remote learning is not a punishment, it is necessary to keep your community safe. 

Assumption/Concern #3: My child is struggling and/or procrastinating during remote learning.

We are all aware that remote learning is not the ideal situation for learning, but thankfully because our district is preparing for the spike of cases ahead of time this remote period will only be set in place for five and a half weeks. Our school district has been working hard to accommodate children that truly need extra guidance and help during the period of remote learning. 

Remote learning is highly dependent on work ethic and self-motivation. It’s important to come up with a plan to keep track of assignments in order to stay up to date with classes. If students are struggling in classes they have the ability to reach out for extra help during the time offered by their teachers. 

Although some students may find it difficult to complete school work due to lack of motivation, this isn’t something that the school can control. Lack of motivation, organizational skills, and self advocacy are bigger than the decision to go remote. I understand that there are some children who need one-on-one help, but you cannot blame your child’s work ethic on the school.

So how can you help be a part of the solution?

You cannot deny the facts. Cases are going up. People are worried about their loved ones. This is the best way to protect our community and the people you all love. 

Set an example for your children and be a positive outlet for them to go to. Stop complaining and stop creating unnecessary drama. Instead, channel  your energy into helping your child and creating a way to make remote learning work in your household. Our school district and staff are so supportive and understanding and will go the extra mile to insure that your student is successful during remote learning. 

Criticizing staff and the school board isn’t helping with the stress they feel while making these extremely difficult decisions. Stop complaining on social media and take action as an adult. Your child sitting on a computer is not as detrimental as someone losing their life.