NJ Parents Overwhelmingly Want In-Person Classes: Patch Survey

NEW JERSEY — With the pandemic continuing to impact New Jersey, one thing is for sure: In the time of coronavirus, there are no easy answers – especially with schools.

And one of the toughest decisions was faced by school districts who were tasked with the question from a Patch survey: Should students go back to school as the coronavirus outbreak continues to be a factor in New Jersey?

But despite the fact that one-third of the state's school districts moved to remote learning, most of the nearly 700 parents who responded to Patch's survey Monday were clear:

We want our kids in school.

See the results below. Note: The survey was not meant to be a scientific poll, with random sampling and margins of error, but was meant only to gauge the sentiments of our readers in an informal way.

Gov. Phil Murphy may address school reopenings – most of which are happening next week – during a 1 p.m. news conference on Friday. Read more: WATCH LIVE: Gov. Phil Murphy Issues NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Update

New Jersey presented its plans for reopening more than a month ago, but the state has since modified them.

The state initially wanted all districts to offer some component of in-person learning, but after many teachers said they wouldn't return and after many concerns were raised by the schools that weren't ready, Murphy allowed districts to go remote-only. Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ School Reopening Rules Amid Coronavirus

Despite the fact that nearly 70 percent of parents who responded said that their district is offering virtual or hybrid learning, more than 43 percent of parents who were offered a choice by their district said they chose in-person learning.

Another 52.1 percent, however, said they weren't given a choice but would have opted for in-person learning if they could have.

Opinion was split whether parents approved of the decision — remote, hybrid or in-person — made by their district, with 33.3 percent saying they were "very unhappy" with how their children's school is handling learning in the time of coronavirus. But another 18.9 percent said they were "very happy" with the direction their district is taking, and 25.5 percent said they were "somewhat happy."

About 40.9 percent of those who responded said their district's decision had not affected their childcare needs, but those who are feeling the effects shared their struggles.

'They blew it'

One parent wrote: "Mismanaged from the start with no priority given to the most vulnerable populations within the school."

"Remote failed and will fail again," another wrote. "My children need to be back in school."

Others were more sympathetic to the issues that the districts were dealing with: "I think our school district is doing a great job under the circumstances to accommodate all remote and hybrid models."

Others were wondering why some districts waited until the last minute to make a decision.

"I thought the school had a great plan to keep everyone safe for a hybrid approach," the parent said. "I'm very disappointed they pulled back to all virtual. It's not good for the kids. If I lived in Georgia or Florida or Texas, I would not send my child in. Today, with our numbers as they are – now is the time and place to do hybrid."

"They blew it," another wrote. "Had all summer to fix ventilators, plan outdoor learning, and now we're home all year."

Others don't think it's safe for teachers.

"The plan is unrealistic," a parent wrote. "Students are not going to socially distance. They will be carriers of the virus (probably asymptomatic) but have the potential to infect teaching staff whose immunity is compromised, and possibly their own parents as they carry the virus home.

"PPEs are not evident in the school, and the staff has not been instructed on proper sanitation techniques once they get PPE. It is a design for failure that will be disastrous.".

'They are very disappointed'

Another effect of the coronavirus pandemic is the toll it's taking on sports. Many fall sports are scheduled to happen, while some schools have canceled or delayed their start.

Some parents who responded expressed frustration and worry about the physical and mental toll the lack of athletics is having on their kids.

"No school sports at all at my children's school," one parent said. "They are very disappointed and have signed them up for more club sports outside of school. My daughter runs cross country and their team was supposed to be very good this year. Super sad for the kids."

"We lost the whole spring season and are just hoping there will be one this year," another wrote. "It was very disappointing for my student after all the work put in."

Others are worried about the future. "My child could lose a scholarship to a good college."

Others said sports are not worth the risk without precautions.

"My child is not an athlete, but as a healthcare professional who has been on the front lines for this entire pandemic, I believe that the students should only participate in sports if they wear masks and are able to social distance."