OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Some parents in Oshkosh want their kids back in the classroom. The Oshkosh Area School Distract hosted a meeting Thursday night with families.
It’s a rare site during the pandemic. An in-person meeting for parents to ask questions….
“What are you doing now to get the kids in the classroom. What are you doing now?”
And Oshkosh administrators to respond….
“In the process right now of reexamining that process right now,” said Superintendent Vickie Cartwright.
Oshkosh schools have transitioned from hybrid to virtual learning models. On Nov. 3 families were told they would return to a hybrid model. Then, on Nov. 9, were told they would remain virtual until Jan.11.
“They thought they were going back to school on that Thursday. Then Tuesday told they weren’t. It shattered them,” said parent Molly Butz.
Which is why many parents took the time during the meeting to ask for one thing.
“Please, please go back to school, please.”
“Put them seven feet back. Put up a video for the kids that don’t want to return. But don’t make our kids stay home anymore.”
Cartwright says she wants the kids back in the classroom.
“For a majority of students we know in-person learning is the best environment,” said Cartwright.
But, it’s also a decision process with many factors.
“The commitment being what’s in the best interest of our students safety and well being, our staff, and the loved ones they go home to,” said Cartwright.
But parents tell FOX 11 they’re frustrated, seeing neighboring districts learning, in-person.
“For my kids to sit at home and then a mile away for their friends to participate in all things school related it’s heartbreaking,” said Butz.
Some parents worry for their kids’ mental health.
“She’s trying to do her work and all of a sudden out of the blue just sobbing.”
But Cartwright tells FOX 11 the district is listening.
“We really will listen, have a better understanding of what the concerns are, what the questions are, so any future communication we’re putting out we’re addressing some of those things as well.”
And want to work with the families in their best interest.
One way Oshkosh schools is addressing families’ concerns is by providing weekly tips and resources on their Facebook page.
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