Getting Children Back Into The Classroom

The American Academy of Pediatrics says time away from the classroom can negatively affect children both mentally and physically.

Their plans are come this fall.

Thanks for joining us this morning.

Its thursday, july 2nd.

I'm pat simon.

And i'm marie waxel.

This morning -- we have new information on the return to the classroom for students across the country.

The american academy of pediatrics now says children should go back to school in person this fall - despite the coronavirus pandemic.

They say the way children could be affected physically and mentally if they don't return to school outweighs the risk of the virus.

Joseph allen / assistant professor, harvard t.

H.

Chan school of public health: "we've seen massive public health consequences to these school closures, in terms of virtual dropouts.

We can not afford as a country to keep our schools locked down for another year."

Waay 31's sierra phillips is live at hampton cove middle school with how this information is impacting which school option parents will choose for the fall.

This morning parents tell us they have concerns with both options.

They're worried if their kids head to back to the classroom, they could get sick.

But....they're also worried if they stay home, they'll miss out on important social development.

According to the american academy of pediatrics, keeping kids at home can have a negative impact on their social skills and cause them to socially isolate themselves.

One parent we spoke to agrees.

Deanna robeson, parent: "we feel like it's important for our child to socialize especially because i'm a stay at home mom so my sons been with me for the last five years, we get out we have play dates but i do feel like it's important for him to have that socialization in a classroom setting."

The state superintendent says there will be virtual learning options for all districts this fall.

Parents we spoke with plan to send their kids back to class with masks on, but they're still waiting for their school districts to announce their re-opening plan.

Reporting live in huntsville sierra phillips waay31 news.