As the debate rages over whether U.S. schools
should reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic,
the way Billy learned about “Choose Your Own
Adventure” demonstrates the intangible harm
that comes with kids being away from school.
A rising fifth-grader like him can learn the
curriculum virtually, complete worksheets and
projects, and take tests. But nothing can replace
the knowledge and experience he gains from
being around his peers five days a week and
sharing their intellectual curiosity.
“I hate virtual school,” Billy said.
It’s not the school part he hates. It’s the
virtual part.
Our school district, in Fairfax County, Virginia,
was the first in the Washington area to commit
to a hybrid model for the fall, allowing parents
to choose between full-time virtual school or
two days a week of in-person instruction. When
I told Billy about the two-day-a-week plan, he
was overjoyed — because he had assumed he
wouldn’t get to go to school at all.
Ultimately, he was right. The school board
abandoned the hybrid model last week. I told the
boys at the breakfast table. Billy slapped his hand
against his thigh and walked away in disgust.
It was the latest cruel twist in my kids’ pandemic
lives, another adventure they can’t choose.
Little League baseball, their favorite sport,
teased the possibility of a much-delayed
spring season for months before announcing
its cancellation. The fall season is supposed to
start in August, with mask-wearing and social-
distancing requirements similar to what we’ve
seen in major league dugouts.