I feel it is important to reopen schools for in-person attendance. This is because school provides the main thing that distance learning did not provide much of, human interaction. This key part of school is vital for a couple of reasons. Number one being that interaction with friends is an important part of growing up. Number two is the reality that for most it is much more difficult to work hard alone than to work hard in a room of people doing likewise.

There are also things that, in my experience, distance learning failed to achieve, such as actual learning. Distance learning was less learning and more assigned, almost autonomous, work. During distance learning, it was much more difficult to get in touch with teachers.

I understand that it will cost a lot to reopen schools with the precautions necessary and that some students, even some teachers, may not want to come back to school, but I think that because Connecticut has such a low infection rate, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Charlie Morgan

8th Grader at Clark Lane Middle School

Waterford