Just recently, Park decided to start hybrid learning back up again after the first attempt failed in late October. They are now considering having both cohorts A and B combining after spring break.

The best idea would be to stay with the original plan of doing 50% capacity. Most students miss being in school, and by implementing 50% capacity it will benefit those who want to return to school, but also honor and respect the fact that we are in a pandemic.

With COVID-19 cases still rising especially in our county, we need to continue to practice social distancing as much as possible to try to bring the number of cases down. Additionally, I fear that the plan will fail again — as this time Park is proposing having both cohorts together. Not only that but even from home I have seen people not following protocol. 

On the first day of hybrid learning, I saw students not staying six feet apart and a teacher continuously coughing. If people aren’t able to simply stay six feet apart and stay at home if they are not feeling well, then how are people able to trust that it will happen with this increase of capacity? Having these issues and returning with both cohorts will surely bring a potential threat to students and staff. Staff needs to make sure that students are following the rules to ensure a smooth and safe process. If people aren’t doing their part, the plan is bound to fail. 

With people not following protocols and the obvious lack of consideration to rising cases, an increase in capacity shouldn’t even be a possibility. We have only been back in hybrid for a week. We should continue to do hybrid at 50% or less and observe for a little longer to see how it goes. Only then we should consider having both cohorts in the building.