Many thoughts about schools reopening in the US. For too many children, school is a safe haven from home environments that may be detrimental to their outlook and upbringing. For those same children and others, school means routine, mentorship, and meals.

On the other hand, expecting kids of any age to adhere to wearing masks for 6 hours a day feels like an impossible ask. Not to mention the obvious health risk this poses to teachers, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, and whole communities... it's a massive no-win situation.

My father was a teacher and I'm still very close with my school community, from elementary onward. Almost everyone I know has had a teacher who has changed their lives for good. It's just heartrending and unfair to keep putting people between a rock and a hard place like this.

I will never understand why this country keeps letting down the people who give so much of themselves.