Information key to weathering pandemic and new school year

Monday will mark the first day of classes for all school districts in Butler County.

This is a day normally marked with some trepidation by students, and probably teachers and staff as well.

There is a lot of newness to work through in those first weeks.

This year is marked by even more uncertainty as districts try to meet the expectations of our president, governor, local health departments, parents and students.

They are reopening during a worldwide coronavirus pandemic that has forced every nation in the world to make changes and compromises we would never have thought possible or necessary a little more than six months ago.

We want to say now, that we know our Butler County districts take the safety of our children seriously. We know that the steps they are taking are done with the best of intentions, based on the best advice they have available to them now.

We also know that in taking responsibility for the health and welfare of our county’s students, their own children and their own health and safety are also a concern.

We want to ask now, that everyone be part of making this new year as good and as safe as possible.

If you or your child have been sick, or near someone who is sick, please stay home. We understand that this is a hardship in many cases, but it is a preventative step that could keep the children at their school desks, rather than virtual home classes.

If you or your child can wear a mask in public settings, please do so. We understand that it isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world. But if you think of it like buckling a seatbelt in a car, a precaution that could help prevent the worst from happening, you might breathe a little easier.

And superintendents, school board members and teachers, we know this is not an easy time to take the health and safety of someone else’s child in your hands. We believe you take this responsibility seriously and we ask that you keep our community informed as the school year progresses. The more informed our community is, the better we will be able to understand and support your decisions.

— Daily American Republic