Kicking the covid can down the road

"Ping...ping...ping...ping...."

I listened to the sound of incoming emails from the school nurse...16, 17, 18...so far, students being excluded from my school.  More emails from my Administration with more students switching to distance learning instead of the hybrid model we have been limping along with.  At the moment I have 4 students in my class watching a movie.  This isn't education, it's a debacle.  

Don't we try to teach our kids to take responsibility for their actions?  It seems no one in the state wants to step up and make the tough decision because they are  too afraid of taking responsibility.  First and foremost I point the finger at those people in the general population who are refusing to take the necessary precautions, wearing masks, washing hands, limiting contact with people, and socially distancing when that can't be avoided.  If everybody did that, we would not be on the brink of having to go into lockdown 2.0, and our school system would be able to remain open for those students who so desperately need, not just academic support, but the social and emotional support of peers and colleagues.  Frankly though, I'm most livid with the Washoe County School Board.  In spite of all evidence pointing to how dire things are looking, they went ahead and ignored the advice of the Health District and Medical Professionals.

At this point most of my students are distance learners anyway but with a few straggler hybrid students waiting for some adult to take responsibility and do the right thing and shut down the school for all but Distance Learning.  My high school is one of only 4 that remains open at this point.  The writing is on the wall if you look at the daily numbers being reported in the community.

Somebody has to step up and take responsibility.  I'm looking at you School Board.  It's past time.  Do the right thing and shut it down.