The SouthCoast is itching to open back up and attempt to find some normalcy; however, some facilities have some tough discussions ahead when it comes to reopening. Will students return to classrooms for the Fall of 2020?

While the decision is still up in the air, here are my two cents on the matter.

Yesterday, Michael Rock and I spoke with Dr. Robert Baldwin, the Superintendent of Fairhaven Public Schools. We asked the question that is on everyone’s mind: will students return to classrooms in the fall? Dr. Baldwin remains optimistic, saying "we have to find a way,” and I agree whole-heartedly.

Now, I know I don’t have children, but there are many people in my life that do, and it’s the same concerns across the board.

“My child’s education is suffering”

“I have no idea how to be a teacher.”

“The level of stress in my house is higher than ever.”

As I watch the COVID-19 cases drop and society gradually opening up again, I can’t help but feel education should be at the top of the list of reopening. Rules and regulations certainly need to be implemented, and that is where the complications begin. But like Dr. Baldwin says, we have to at least try. If Disney World can open its doors in July, I think it’s safe to open classroom doors in September.

At the beginning stages of the pandemic, home-schooling was the most logical answer to keep our children and families safe. I’m not naïve to that reasoning. But it’s heartbreaking to see the strain that this situation is putting on my friends and family members. My friend Andrew from Westerly, Rhode Island, owns a gym and is the father to three sons ages five, seven and nine. While he tries to keep his small business afloat, he now has to wear a new hat and teach his children subjects like algebra and science.

I would love to see kids back at their desks in the fall of 2020, focusing on education and mental development. Wear masks, set boundaries, do whatever needs to be done to keep it safe, but I say we give it a try.

READ MORE: 50 resources to help you educate your kids at home

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