MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — The Marshfield School Board took oral and written comments Wednesday from parents across the district who say it’s time for students to go back to full-time, in-person learning.
WDLB Radio in Marshfield reports most of the comments received were from concerned parents who say the virtual learning process has gone on long enough.
“In-person education is so important,” said Clorissa Schmitt, who has two students in grades 7 and 10. “If these kids could teach themselves with a computer we wouldn’t need schools at all.”
Ryan Kanitz says his daughter is struggling to stay motivated without the structure that an in-person school day brings.
“Something’s changed about her, and it’s entirely because she does not have that motivation. She doesn’t have that reason to get up at 6:30 AM.”
Student Jenna Holt has opted for full-time online learning due to her compromised immune system but says her friends agree that the setup is less than ideal.
“We carry such a weight because we are expected to teach everything to ourselves. While that is the virtual option, there is nothing to prove that we are doing OK.”
The board did not take any action on Wednesday, though did hint that changes to their current learning models are on the way. One proposal would split students into two groups for every other day in-person learning. That could begin by March 24th.
The district is currently limiting in-person classes to 25% capacity.
