Mixed views on New Trier High School returning to hybrid model

Union president Jen McDonough
Union president Jen McDonough Photo credit New Trier High School

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A North Shore high school is poised to reopen for a combination of in-person and online learning next week, but not everyone is happy with the plan.

Helen Oushana, who works at New Trier High School, is also a parent. She told the school board this week it should continue with online learning only.

"As a single mother of four children, believe me, no one wants students to be in school more than I do. But, with a current positivity rate of COVID hovering around 10 percent, and other surrounding counties shutting down schools altogether, I believe the decision to open is flat out reckless," she said.

The teachers union also believes coronavirus numbers in the region make it unsafe to resume in-person learning. Union president Jen McDonough notes that the region is seeing an increase in COVID numbers at a time New Trier’s superintendent wants to re-start a hybrid learning plan. She said the school should have online learning only right now.

"The New Trier Education Association continues to support in-person instruction that is safe for all students and staff," McDonough said.

But, parent Ted Dabrowski, of the Open New Trier parents group which Dabrowski said has 500 parents, said students need to be back in school and not on a hybrid schedule.

"Online learning, for many, is just not doing the right job. And the hybrid, I think, is very difficult. We have kids in then out, in then out. It just doesn’t’ work," he said.

Dabrowski goes on to say online learning is unhealthy.

"We want our kids back in school, because we’re concerned about their mental health. Hours in front of screens are not good and I think that’s been documented everywhere," he said.

Starting next Tuesday, students whose names start with the letters F through K will start in-person hybrid learning. More students will be added in the days after tht.

New Trier is also offering a COVID saliva screening program that’s voluntary.

Featured Image Photo Credit: New Trier High School