x
Breaking News
More () »

“It’s a no-win.” Parents have tough decision: send their kids to school for in-person instruction during a pandemic or learn virtually from home

“We agonize just as much about what happens to them if they don't go to school as we do if they do go to school,” said one parent.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee —

In Tuesday’'s Ransom Note: the school dilemma.

I feel for parents who are staring at a new school year a month or so away. One Memphis mom sent me a message describing it this way: "We want what's best for our kids, but it's a no-win. We agonize just as much about what happens to them if they don't go to school as we do if they do go to school."

There are now reports children can get the coronavirus, show no symptoms and unbeknownst to them, suffer permanent lung damage.

Yes, those are isolated cases, but there's a much better chance of our kids infecting a parent or grandparent with deadly results.

I think Shelby County Schools did the right thing by giving parents a choice of learning in-school or virtually. But can you see bus drivers enforcing a mandatory mask requirement? Or teachers trying to keep kids six feet away from each other? But if both parents have to work, what choice do they have? And how about the parents who choose virtual learning? They know the quality of learning isn't the same. Like that mom said, it's a no win, and I fear our kids will lose.

Join the conversation by email (rransom@localmemphis.com), Facebook, or Twitter.

RELATED: In-person or virtual learning? Parents have until July 18 to decide what they want for their children

RELATED: Shelby County Schools releases S.A.F.E. Re-Entry Plan for the 2020-21 school year

RELATED: Parents are making their decision on in-school or virtual classes

Before You Leave, Check This Out