MISSOULA — When COVID-19 first shut down Montana schools in March, many didn’t anticipate it would still be an issue in August when it was time to start a new school year.
As school boards work on the complicated plans to get kids safely back in the classroom, parents are faced with a tough decision. should they send their children back? Coronavirus cases in Montana are climbing so the health and safety of students and staff is a crucial part of the equation.
As we found out, just weeks from the first day of school, some parents are waiting for answers from the schools -- and from the scientists before deciding what to do next month.
"Honestly, it’s hard to make a decision at this point in time when we are five, six weeks months out. We really don’t know what they find out or discover in that time," parent Jilayne Dunn said. "Maybe they'll discover something important that will help us mitigate the chance of it spreading from human contact or how close. "Or maybe it’s something they’re able to with the HVAC systems in the schools which is a concern of mine. "
All this week, MTN is taking a look at issues surrounding a return to classroom learning. We’re calling it “Safely Back to School”.
Monday night at 5:30 and 10 we talk to some parents and students about the upcoming Fall semester. We’ll also tell you how you can be pro-active in your child's education in the age of COVID-19.
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Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques. -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
