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To the editor:

My name is Naajia Lyons, and I am here to present my position on children going back to school during this pandemic.

I personally do not believe children should go back to school under these circumstances. As a mother of a 5-year-old going into kindergarten, I do not believe that it is physically possible to keep children so young separated from one another. Children at this age not only learn from their teachers, they also learn how to socialize. They learn how to work with other children and how to handle others’ feelings. How could bus drivers possibly maintain separation of children along the ride?

Yes, there are parents who put their children’s lives at risk by going to work and coming home, like myself. However, if our job is essential, can we really afford not going to work when we have children to take care of? How do we know that other parents are not sending their children to school with symptoms?

When we have an option to not put children at risk, then that should always be the answer. I think school should be virtual until this virus has completely disappeared. Continue to stay home, continue to be safe, continue to sanitize. This is not the end for our children. They will be able to attend school when this passes.

Naajia Lyons

Suffolk