Left behind

The children of our community are hurting, and families are struggling. Special education children are being pulled in all directions, who are the most vulnerable to these changes.

Education is the foundation of our future and helps to overcome poverty. So many communities are being left behind. Our schools are empty while neighboring cities are open and private schools haven’t skipped a beat. This continues to prove that Virginia Beach City Public Schools can do the same. It was working before the “metrics” increased. “Follow the science” were the buzz words in the spring and summer. The current fall plan was based on limited information.

Well, now the science supports the opening of schools and no one wants to follow the science. Multiple professionals from our local community, to high standing government officials, are calling for schools to open. If this continues, children will be forever lost, transitioned to private schools, and there will be a loss of funding for our public schools. The recovery will take too long, and the repercussions will be endless.

Virtual learning is not working for kids. Elementary students are in their critical learning years. If masks work and social distancing works, then schools are safe. They were successful before they closed in November. Our metrics are not rising because of schools, it’s from our adult community. Stores, restaurants, and more are open — so can schools. Did other employees have an option to quit?

Alyse Chickey, Virginia Beach