A fresh layer of anxiety
Schools’ handling of virus brings more worries for parents
As our elected officials and government leaders start to take steps to prepare for a possible coronavirus outbreak in the Bay State, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed.
Should we stockpile gallons of water and canned food? Should we cancel an upcoming trip? Why didn’t I pick up extra hand sanitizer? What about our schools?
Our daughter goes to college in Rhode Island. At her school, like others, they’re bringing home students who are studying in Italy, where 52 people have died of coronavirus, and ordering them to stay home.
Students and teachers in Newton and Bellingham were also told to stay home after returning from recent trips to Italy. A Weymouth Public Schools employee is under self-quarantine after returning from a trip abroad.
School superintendents in Massachusetts are talking about possibly teaching students at home should they close schools as global coronavirus fears hit home.
“That’s an issue people are having conversations about now and it’s going to vary depending on the capacity of the district,” said Thomas Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.
Some school districts can loan students laptops but not all districts can, Scott told me, and while some students have laptops at home others don’t.
“There’s going to be a lot of variety based on the kind of resources of the district,” Scott said. “I don’t think there’s anybody who’s got a clearly defined plan at this point but certainly they’re in that conversation.”
On Thursday, the association plans to meet with its elected representatives from across the state to talk about coronavirus, options for students should schools close and working with the state Department of Education.
“If there are schools closing or districts closing, or if there’s something that is going to be regional or statewide, there’s going to have to be some guidance provided by the commissioner,” Scott said.
Jacqueline Reis, spokeswoman for State Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, said the state hasn’t issued guidelines for school closings. On Friday, the state sent a two page letter to school administrators from the Department of Public Health that included a detailed section on how to handle cases of coronavirus.
“We’re not to the point yet of talking about how to close an entire school,” Reis said. “That might be something we talk about in the coming days and weeks.”
At a press conference Thursday, Gov. Charlie Baker was asked if Bay State schools are prepared for tele-learning, or online learning, which the CDC has recommended. “I can’t speak to that particular question but it’s certainly something that I think everybody’s going to need to spend some time thinking about,” Baker said.
We are all concerned and not sure how to respond to this latest threat. Whether it’s school, work, public events or just regular socializing, it’s clear we all have to start thinking about this outbreak sooner rather than later.