On February 18th, the Teton County School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss potential changes to educational schedules for elementary, middle and high school students for the first time in several months.
This is a step in the right direction, however it’s worth noting two important facts: First, Teton County is the only county in Wyoming that has not already returned students to a majority in-person education. Second, private schools in Jackson returned to majority in-person classes several months ago and have been operating safely and without major outbreaks.
Based on data from schools around Wyoming and the US, as well as recommendations from the CDC, WHO, UNICEF, AAP, and Wyoming Department of Health, it is clear that with adequate precautions such as masks and enhanced ventilation, as well as the vaccination of staff and teachers that is currently underway, our schools can safely increase the amount of in-person classes they offer before the end of this school year.
For families that prefer to continue with virtual learning, we believe this should absolutely remain an option. But for those who would like to see children have the option of returning to in-person public school education, now is the time to encourage deliberate steps in that direction.
On behalf of our family and several others, we are sending a letter to the Teton County School Board asking them to increase in-person learning beginning on March 1st, 2021, with a focus on increasing time for middle and high schoolers who currently attend in-person school two days a week.
As parents and taxpayers in Jackson, we care deeply about the health and wellbeing of all Teton County residents who have been coping with this pandemic for nearly a year. We recognize there are many staffing, operational and safety considerations to take into account, and we are open to a range of possible solutions.
We also care deeply about the quality of public education we are providing to our children. Public schools are a bedrock institution in our community, relied upon by healthcare workers, first responders, grocery clerks, restaurant and hotel staff, as well as educators and so many more who are unable to work from home.
We invite you to please join us in signing this letter. Let's let the School Board know that we're paying attention and believe that it's time to begin moving forward, for the sake of our children and the wellbeing of this community.
Sincerely, Megan Beck and Alex Hillinger
Updates
February 15, 2021
The volume of support for this petition has gained significant traction and signals clear public demand for change. I am currently finalizing the formal letter for delivery to the school board members to ensure our request is part of their upcoming agenda.
Reached 100 supporters
February 15, 2021
70 Comments
As a mother and a physician, I believe our kids can safely return to school full time with the precautions that the school have implemented. As many have commented, some kids are doing fine with at home learning, but many are falling through the cracks both academically and emotionally/socially
Since moving my daughter out of Jackson Hole schools in September last year, she has been in school full-time 5 days per week in the Park City School district. She has not gotten Covid19 and has only been quarantined 1 time in the past 7 months. Full-time in-person school can happen and can be successful.
My child is thriving in middle school the way things are but I believe that there are way to many kids falling through the cracks and that in person learning is the number one thing in our community that is widening the divide between the our diverse student body.
As a parent of 4 kids @ TCSD I am grateful they have been able to go as much as they have but it’s time to get them back face to face. Kids who cannot or do not advocate for themselves are getting lost in the shuffle and they need to have face to face connection.
Please open the middle school and high school 4 or 5 days a week. As a nurse at St John’s, I do not have a hospital wide picture, but I do know we are not overwhelmed with COVID patients.
Even though my child has nearly straight A's, we feel it is beneficial for them to be in person schooled
I trust that the HS and MS can figure out the logistics to have all kids have the option to return to school full time (4 or 5 days a week). We are really grateful for all the hard work of teachers and hope TCSD will provide what you need for your efforts to make this happen. When this happens, it is imperative that teachers, especially in the HS, give our kids FRESH AIR mask breaks, and do not keep them cooped up inside all day. Thank you!
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On February 18th, the Teton County School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss potential changes to educational schedules for elementary, middle and high school students for the first time in several months.
This is a step in the right direction, however it’s worth noting two important facts: First, Teton County is the only county in Wyoming that has not already returned students to a majority in-person education. Second, private schools in Jackson returned to majority in-person classes several months ago and have been operating safely and without major outbreaks.
Based on data from schools around Wyoming and the US, as well as recommendations from the CDC, WHO, UNICEF, AAP, and Wyoming Department of Health, it is clear that with adequate precautions such as masks and enhanced ventilation, as well as the vaccination of staff and teachers that is currently underway, our schools can safely increase the amount of in-person classes they offer before the end of this school year.
For families that prefer to continue with virtual learning, we believe this should absolutely remain an option. But for those who would like to see children have the option of returning to in-person public school education, now is the time to encourage deliberate steps in that direction.
On behalf of our family and several others, we are sending a letter to the Teton County School Board asking them to increase in-person learning beginning on March 1st, 2021, with a focus on increasing time for middle and high schoolers who currently attend in-person school two days a week.
As parents and taxpayers in Jackson, we care deeply about the health and wellbeing of all Teton County residents who have been coping with this pandemic for nearly a year. We recognize there are many staffing, operational and safety considerations to take into account, and we are open to a range of possible solutions.
We also care deeply about the quality of public education we are providing to our children. Public schools are a bedrock institution in our community, relied upon by healthcare workers, first responders, grocery clerks, restaurant and hotel staff, as well as educators and so many more who are unable to work from home.
We invite you to please join us in signing this letter. Let's let the School Board know that we're paying attention and believe that it's time to begin moving forward, for the sake of our children and the wellbeing of this community.
Sincerely, Megan Beck and Alex Hillinger
Updates
February 15, 2021
The volume of support for this petition has gained significant traction and signals clear public demand for change. I am currently finalizing the formal letter for delivery to the school board members to ensure our request is part of their upcoming agenda.
Reached 100 supporters
February 15, 2021
70 Comments
It's shocking to me that the school board thinks sports without masks is safe for the athletes, but in person education for all students with masks and safety protocols is not. Common sense tells me we should prioritize all students education first. I hope students are able to return more than 2 days a week.
As a mother and a physician, I believe our kids can safely return to school full time with the precautions that the school have implemented. As many have commented, some kids are doing fine with at home learning, but many are falling through the cracks both academically and emotionally/socially
Since moving my daughter out of Jackson Hole schools in September last year, she has been in school full-time 5 days per week in the Park City School district. She has not gotten Covid19 and has only been quarantined 1 time in the past 7 months. Full-time in-person school can happen and can be successful.
My child is thriving in middle school the way things are but I believe that there are way to many kids falling through the cracks and that in person learning is the number one thing in our community that is widening the divide between the our diverse student body.
As a parent of 4 kids @ TCSD I am grateful they have been able to go as much as they have but it’s time to get them back face to face. Kids who cannot or do not advocate for themselves are getting lost in the shuffle and they need to have face to face connection.
Please open the middle school and high school 4 or 5 days a week. As a nurse at St John’s, I do not have a hospital wide picture, but I do know we are not overwhelmed with COVID patients.
Even though my child has nearly straight A's, we feel it is beneficial for them to be in person schooled
I trust that the HS and MS can figure out the logistics to have all kids have the option to return to school full time (4 or 5 days a week). We are really grateful for all the hard work of teachers and hope TCSD will provide what you need for your efforts to make this happen. When this happens, it is imperative that teachers, especially in the HS, give our kids FRESH AIR mask breaks, and do not keep them cooped up inside all day. Thank you!
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It's shocking to me that the school board thinks sports without masks is safe for the athletes, but in person education for all students with masks and safety protocols is not. Common sense tells me we should prioritize all students education first. I hope students are able to return more than 2 days a week.