Editor’s note: Due to the high emotions surrounding this topic, the sources of the comments will remain anonymous in order to preclude any potential backlash.
Cordell students, at least some of them, will return to their classrooms tomorrow, despite the ever-increasing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted state officials to order the closure of school buildings and the transition to distance learning programs earlier this year.
Reactions to the re opening of school facilities, from both teachers and parents, span the entire gamut of human emotions. To help parents and students navigate the complex COVID environment, Cordell Public Schools has given students three options for the school year: returning to traditional in-person instruction in the classroom, continuing in the distance learning environment, or a blended option built upon the Personalized Academic Center model introduced last year before the coronavirus outbreak. The district has also purchased a large number of sanitizing stations and sanitizer and has implemented an enhanced cleaning and sterilization program for both classrooms and the buildings as a whole. The individual teachers have been given the authority to decide whether or not to require masks in their classrooms.
One teacher was pleased with the steps being taken by the schools.
“I’m looking forward to seeing my students,” the teacher said. “I’m glad that our school is able to offer three options for students to help parents make these tough decisions as to whether to let their children return or to keep them home. We are treading uncharted waters and we are all working hard to do what is best for the students.” Another Cordell educator said the unknown is impacting everyone involved.
“Everyone is struggling with all the unknown factors with school starting. Parents, school administrators, and teachers are researching how to make this school year safe and successful for our students. This is a new frontier for us all.”
Parents’ reactions were also diverse.
“I’m ready for things to get back to normal,” one parent said. “We need to proceed with caution but it’s time to start back, and my kid is going back like normal!”
Another parent went the other way.
“I have chosen not to send my son to school in person due to my own research into the risks associated with attending traditional classes during the pandemic. I also had to consider the health of my whole family. I would rather my son be behind in school than very ill or dead, or indirectly contributing to illness or death in our family.
“I am unsure about how how at home learning will work for us because I work full time and run a business from home. I do, however, value our health and safety, and feel I have made the best decision possible for my family.”
Another parent expressed uncertainty about the duration of a normal school year, but is choosing to send her son back to the classroom.
“I don’t think it will be possible to complete an ‘in the classroom’ year during the pandemic, but I don’t think my child is in any more danger at school than he will be during the conducting of every day life at this point. I deeply appreciate the teachers and all of their efforts during this time.”
The Oklahoma State Board of Education made the decision to close school facilities on March 25, 2020, for the duration of the academic year. At that time, there were 164 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. As of Friday, Aug. 7, there were 42,255 confirmed cases of the disease in the state, including 27 in Washita County and four in Cordell.
“Parents, school administrators, and teachers are researching how to make this school year safe and successful for our students. This is a new frontier for us all.”
-Concerned Cordell Teacher