Parents of children attending Miami’s Lubavitch Education Center will be able to choose between online and in-person classes, for the coming school year.
By Anash.org reporter
With many schools in our community still uncertain as to what their plans are for the fall semester, the Lubavitch Education Center (LEC) in Miami, Florida has announced that the new school year will begin with regular classes on its campus.
As virtual classes have proven ineffective for most students, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that students return to a proper school environment, with proper safety precautions in place.
“The benefit of in-person learning is paramount and results in superior academic achievement,” wrote Rabbi Bentzion Korf in a letter to parents, “while developing the social and emotional well being of a student.”
Nevertheless, with Covid-19 cases currently surging in Florida, many parents may hesitate to send their children to school, despite LEC’s purchase of disinfecting machines, temperature monitors, partitions and face shields. The school also plans to evaluate for safety all aspects of the school-day and will limit physical proximity of staff and students, but recognizes that some parents may still prefer an online option.
Consequently, starting from first grade, all students will have the option to join virtual classes, with pre-school classes remaining in-person only.
LEC remains aware that, due to the unpredictability of the virus, adjustments may need to be made as time progresses. “Circumstances may change that will require further restrictions,” Rabbi Korf pointed out. “We are preparing for all possibilities and, if the need arises, for LEC to go entirely virtual.”