To the Editor:

Children should not be learning through a computer screen. Especially younger children who thrive on hands-on, live instruction and interaction. While remote learning may have been the sensible action in the spring, we know much more now about this disease, are much more prepared as a state, and no doubt can return our children safely to live instruction, which has already been effectively demonstrated since September. The nation’s leading experts have called for it, the governor has called for it, major medical societies have called for it, and both sides of the aisle have urged that children be in school, despite rising cases across the nation.

This is not a matter of “close restaurants, close gyms, close salons, etc and then our kids can return” as some “leaders” in this town have expressed. The fact of the matter is that schools in Newtown have not demonstrated a spread of cases since returning to school. In fact, schools across the state have demonstrated the ability to keep children and staff safe, even with an increase in cases. Other neighboring towns have made it work. Why won’t Newtown? The rationale to go back to remote seemed to be related to a lot of “potentials” and not related to a lot of “facts.” Give families the option to return their children to school in person. We implore the Superintendent and BOE to return our children and staff to school, live and in person, on January 4.

Adam and Victoria Boshell

Fawnwood Road, Newtown December 11, 2020