Winnebago County Greenlights Full Return to In-Person Learning

As a parent with school-age children, I think navigating this pandemic has been especially challenging. It has required a lot of tough decisions and a whole lot of flexibility and schedule juggling.

Before the 2020/2021 school year began we needed to decide what our children's school year would look like; would it be in-person or done remotely? My husband and I struggled with that decision, but ultimately we knew in-person learning is what our girls needed most. We still feel that we made the correct choice even though this school year has required a lot of...adjustments.

If you're a parent who is already worried about what choice to make for the 2021/2022 school year, and you live in Winnebago County, perhaps this info will ease your mind a bit.

According to WTVO, the Winnebago County Health Department said in a press conference Monday;

School leadership in Winnebago County with support of the Winnebago County Health Department are committed to returning all students to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 School Year.

So, what does that mean exactly? In-person learning will be the default for schools in Winnebago County, but the remote option will still be available for students with compromised immune systems.

What Will the 2021/2022 School Year Look Like?

The 2021/2022 school year is still months away, but it sounds like face masks and social distancing could still be the "norm" next year too. WTVO quotes Winnebago County Health Director Dr. Sandra Martell as saying;

We’re going to have to continue with some of the same things. We may still have to mask depending upon the transmission rates, but certainly, we’ve looked at the social distancing, increasing the air exchanges, upgrading some of the ventilation systems.

I've seen a lot of face masks on clearance in stores. perhaps I should stock up on some for next year right now.