In support of hybrid learning for Yarmouth's youngest students

I've got two kids one at Rowe and one at YES. While I was looking forward to them returning to school full time- and appreciate the efforts of the pandemic task force- I'm not sure that changing this late in the year is the right thing to do. My first grader is moving constantly and I don't think he's going to do well sitting much more. My third grader is a little less active than his brother but still needs to move around in order to focus best. We've all grown accustomed to the routine of hybrid learning , to change now might make this year harder on everyone than it has been. I feel so conflicted.

Thank you everyone for working so hard to take all things into consideration!

Thank you for the opportunity to support these concerns. I am signing on behalf of my family who work in and attend Yarmouth Schools, as well as the children and parents in our community who wish to close out the school year with a schedule that is familiar, consistent, and known.

Let’s finish the school year in hybrid mode and focus our efforts on changing things for the 2021-2022 school year.

Requiring my first grader to move from the existing hybrid model to the proposed 4 day model is not in her best interest. The proposed schedule and classroom structure do not provide our young learners any more time participating in the learning and socialization they are in need of most. Their bodies will be further restricted from their natural need for movement adding an additional layer of frustration and change to an already challenging school experience.

The proposed plan makes no logical sense, especially for the six remaining weeks of school. Thank you for providing a petition for like minded individuals to sign.

I want my kids back in school and truly hope for a full time return in the Fall. However, given all of the changes proposed as this letter nicely points out I feel that the continued hybrid option is the most prudent and safe choice.

I no longer have children in the Yarmouth schools but have worked at YES for 23 years. I am signing this petition for the following reasons: Due to the current construction, there is very limited space at YES. • There would be adjustments for the students (new class members and changes to their current schedule) and overcrowding. • Covid had us finish the 2019-20 school year with no end-of-year closure for students. Even with a hybrid schedule, there is the potential for that to happen again – greater odds if we are all in. • The cost, both financially and emotionally, is not worth 6 weeks of all in learning. September will bring us a new school with plenty of room and, hopefully, a high percent of vaccinated individuals. Just my opinion.........

Agree for k-8

This concisely summarizes my thoughts. Let us at least provide our children with consistency while we work toward next year.

I have a lot of mixed feelings, I appreciate all the efforts the committee has put forth to get the students back in school more days, but I think such a big change with only 6 weeks left in the school year and the pandemic still a large problem, I agree that it could do more harm than good. It pains me to say that because I’ve wanted this for so long, but my instincts tells me it’s not the right choice for my child.

I am signing and support adding grade 5-8 to this petition.