Reopening Schools Safely

 

Reopening Schools Safely Toolkit

While COVID-19 has impacted education in a major way, we want parents to make informed decisions about returning to school in-person. There’s much research about the benefit of in-person instruction. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has strongly advocated for in-person instruction where evidence-based public health guidelines say it is appropriate. The AAP’s position is that school closures have many damaging effects on students, such as social isolation, learning loss, and a lack of access to essential services like meals, language services, and services for a disability or developmental delay. Many children in our community have already fallen dangerously behind in their academic and social-emotional development because of school closures and virtual instruction. We believe that safety comes first for students, parents, and teachers. Check out these resources on the current data regarding COVID-19 in Rochester and Monroe County.

What does the data say? 

National data on school reopening to date have demonstrated little evidence that COVID-19 is spreading within schools, and a remarkably low rate of infection for students and teachers overall.

Read the full data overview here.

Read simplified data here.

Simplified data – Spanish 

Help spread the message on social media 

We believe that safety comes first for students, parents, and teachers. There are many benefits to in-person learning and we want parents to make informed decisions when it comes to school reopening.  In Rochester and Monroe County, few children have been infected and infections in children have been generally mild.

There are many benefits to in-person learning and we want parents to make informed decisions when it comes to school reopening. We believe that safety comes first for students, parents, and teachers. Almost all infections in children have happened OUTSIDE of Monroe County schools.

Let’s continue pushing healthy habits as schools consider re-opening safely in our area. Wearing masks, washing hands, keeping distance, and avoiding large groups keep children healthy at school and home.

Our schools and health systems are working together. We will continue to collect feedback, share resources, and promote best practices as we inform parents on the facts as it relates to school reopening and keeping kids safe.