Dear John,
We all have learned a lot over the course of this pandemic -- but the one thing that was clear is that virtual learning has severe challenges and in many cases was a failure for our kids. Without in-school instruction, the majority of are children suffered both academically and socially.
Our kids missed out on opportunities that only our schools can provide for them. They weren’t able to continue their social growth and build friendships with their peers or improve on their listening and learning skills from in-class direction from their teachers.
Unfortunately, it has left many children behind where they should be heading into the new school year. We have to remember that a well-rounded education is more than just academics and that it is critical for our children’s social development. Without in-school instruction this fall, our children are at risk of falling even further behind, and that’s why it is imperative that New York State implements a responsible, safe and flexible plan to make sure we open our schools in September.
It is also important that the Governor isn’t the lone voice in this discussion. Unilaterally making these critically important decisions is disastrous for New York State. We need to hear from local elected officials. He should return the legislature to a co-equal branch of government right now and allow its members to represent the people of New York State like they were elected to do.
Unlike Governor Cuomo, I welcome the input from our representatives and people from across the state and I value their knowledge, backgrounds and areas of expertise. On this week’s town hall, I was pleased to be joined by an excellent panel of guests to hear their expert insights on how we can safely get our kids back in the classroom in September.
A big “thank you” to Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, NYC Councilman Joe Borelli, NYS Senate candidate Mike Martucci and Niagara GOP Chairman and County Legislator Rich Andres for joining me and providing great perspective during our very insightful discussion.
If you were unable to attend, you can watch the town hall below.
Sincerely,
