David Lyons
Dr. Steinhaus and School Board Members:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the important question of whether students should be able to return to in-person learning. First, I’d like to say thank you to all of you and to all of the Los Alamos Public Schools teachers and staff who have done a great job this year, under the most trying of circumstances.
I am writing in support of getting students who want to return to in-person school back into the classroom. As the parent of two high school students—one junior and one senior, I have seen first-hand the great efforts made by teachers to make online learning a success, and I also see how at least for many kids, online learning can never fully substitute for being in the classroom with your peers, participating in after-school clubs, activities and sports.
As others have said more completely and with more authority, there is ample evidence that we can both get kids back into the classroom and keep students, teachers and the community safe. I believe that the benefits of in-person engagement—on student mental health, on learning, and on the ability for students (many of whom are seniors) to be able to participate in the sports and activities they are passionate about—is well worth it.
Thank you again for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
David Lyons