To the PHM school board:

Many parents and our students really want and need in person learning. While that provides many challenges during Covid-19, we have the utmost confidence that PHM can successfully implement face to face learning for those who chose that option. PHM has always been a leader in education the state of Indiana. Now is not the time to follow what other school corporations have done, but instead lead the way to return to the excellence that you have always provided to our students!

From an article in The South Bend Tribune regarding statements from Elkhart County Health Department’s Dr. Lydia Mertz.

[In a release issued Friday, Dr. Lydia Mertz said over the last week, the county has seen the positivity rate start to decline and that the hospitals’ capacities, testing and contract tracing are being continuously monitored.

“Because of this control of the spread of the virus, and the work the schools have done, I recommend they open for in-person instruction as they have planned,” Mertz said. “The mitigation measures they have put in place are designed to make schools as safe as possible.”]
If Elkhart can do it so can PHM.

Please don’t only consider those few families who are most likely complaining about in school learning. Many, many people do not have a strong understanding of virology and how to interpret the limited data about this pandemic and yet are making rash decisions that will affect the future of our children. While young people are very resilient, losing instructional learning for possibly a year plus prior to starting college courses for our seniors could be tragic to their academic careers and successes. Losing a year of instructional learning at any age can affect these children for many years.

My understanding is that the decision has not been made entirely and that it will be discussed at the August 3rd board meeting. Please consider the losses to this year’s seniors (& all students) if they are unable to finish their high school career in person and to the excellent PHM standard.
Kind Regards,
Diana Kilbourne