As the new academic year gets underway, some schools in Alabama and Tennessee are already making the difficult decision to close their doors and switch to remote learning. These closures, which affect over a thousand students, come just days into the new term as a response to a surge in Covid-19 cases. Officials say the temporary closures will allow for a thorough deep cleaning of school facilities.
Return to Remote Learning
At Johnson-Abernathy-Graetz (JAB) High School in Montgomery, Alabama, the shift back to remote learning occurred just four days after the school year began. With 1,500 students in grades 9 through 12, the decision was made after 15 teachers tested positive for Covid-19. While there is no data on student infections, staff and students were instructed to stay home for two days of virtual lessons. The school has since reopened, with masks and disinfecting wipes available in every classroom, though masks are not mandatory.
Tennessee’s Stigall Elementary Takes Precautions
Stigall Elementary in western Tennessee also faced a closure, albeit for just one day, after noticing an “uptick” in Covid-19 cases. With 246 students from kindergarten to first grade, the school took the precautionary step of closing for deep cleaning. Parents, like Jessica Williamson, had to quickly arrange childcare, but many agreed it was better than risking a longer quarantine if their children contracted the virus.
Covid Cases on the Rise Again
These school closures come amid a broader increase in Covid-19 cases across the United States. The rise is attributed to summer travel and gatherings, with 18% of recent swabs testing positive for the virus. While these numbers are still below the peak levels seen during the worst days of the pandemic, there is concern that more disruptions could be on the horizon, especially as schools in other states prepare to return after Labor Day.
The Impact of Remote Learning on Students
The return to remote learning, even temporarily, has reignited concerns about the negative impact it can have on students’ development. Multiple studies have highlighted the setbacks in learning, particularly in math and reading, that occurred during the periods of remote education in 2020 and 2021. Experts warn that prolonged closures could have long-lasting effects on children’s education and social development.
The Current State of Covid in the U.S.
Despite the uptick in cases, hospitalizations and deaths remain far lower than during earlier phases of the pandemic. With a hospitalization rate of 4.4 per 100,000 people, the numbers are significantly below the peak seen in 2022 when the Omicron variant was rampant. Deaths have also decreased, with 696 Covid-related fatalities recorded in the most recent week of data, a far cry from the thousands of deaths reported during previous waves.
The Ongoing Debate Over School Closures
The decision to close schools in Alabama and Tennessee has sparked renewed debate over the balance between safety and education. While the closures are seen as necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, many worry about the long-term consequences for students. As schools in other states prepare to reopen, there is growing concern that more closures could be on the way, further disrupting the education system and the lives of students and parents alike.
TDPel Media
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn