Home for school

Most people were wishing for a different outcome, hoping against hope that this school year would be more normal, more routine, less stressed. But just days after the start of classes in the Sandusky School, superintendent Eugene "Doc" Sanders called an audible. The high school and middle school would pull back, going to virtual learning. The decision, made by district administrators and Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade, means students will be at home through Friday, at least, this week. A return to school is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 7, but that could change. Students will attend classes from home, via a virtual platform, for live instruction. It's all about minimizing the spread of COVID-19 cases, district officials said. The goal is to make COVID-based decisions on a building-by-building format and conduct school as regularly as possible in as many cases as possible. The goal is to be in school. We're thankful, fingers crossed, that the district is able to pivot when needed — and it's ready to pivot back when an "all clear" message is received. The facts are too clear, the numbers too present, the risk too steep to be less than vigilant or to be mired in the outrage politics of divisiveness. We get it as much as anyone and know how important for both parents and students that we're able to get them back in the classrooms as soon as that can be done. But, right now, having the ability to shift the way the district is shifting is important. Let's get through this and keep making the smart decision that will get us to the end of this pandemic sooner. Stay strong.