To the Editor:

I am a concerned parent in regards to the hybrid learning. I am considered an essential employee and taking time off of work is not possible. Having a flexible schedule is not an option. Using vacation time/sick time is not an option. Hiring a babysitter is beyond expensive. I was done with daycare when my children started in public schools. On average a babysitter costs $15 an hour… tax free. How am I to afford that?

We are being told it is not guaranteed that if you have multiple children that they will be in the same cohort.

My 4th grade son needs additional help with reading and does not do well with digital learning. He needs to be working with his teacher and special education teacher one on one. My family had to hire a tutor (a Newtown teacher) once a week since this pandemic, which is more money coming out of our pockets just to help him with his needs.

My 7th grade son cannot stay home by himself. He is 12 years old and not capable to teach himself, plus he is too young to be home alone and responsible for himself and his brother.

I see that the NYA and Community Center are offering a tutoring program, but that costs money that I do not have. Why is it okay to send my child to a tutoring program at a community center that has children from the entire town or other towns? How is this any safer than keeping my kids together within their classroom with a qualified teacher?

The tutoring programs are only available to K-6 students… I have a 7th grader. How can I expect my 7th grader to do all his work on his own while my husband and I work?

Why isn’t the town paying for the tutoring programs? Why are we not getting money back on our taxes while teachers and paraprofessionals are getting paid? Paraprofessionals are doing what exactly and getting paid? Art teachers, PE teachers, music teachers have done what for their paychecks? I have to work to put food on the table and be expected to teach my children as well. How is this fair?

How am I expected to teach my children and work? I am beyond stressed, concerned, and worried that my children are not getting the education they deserve.

Maria Wallenta

23 Sunnyview Terrace, Sandy Hook August 13, 2020