Parents concerned about their children returning to school after holidays

PITTSBURGH — As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, many parents are worried about sending their kids back to school following the Thanksgiving break.

Some school districts have gone to fully remote learning for students in certain buildings, while others use a hybrid model.

A West Mifflin parent told Channel 11 her family plans to stay around the house during the holiday break, but she’s concerned about others who will be traveling despite the expanded advisories from health officials.

“The risk that is posed because of other people not following the restrictions is very real for me,” said Aquene Watkins-Wise.

She said, at this point, it’s not a certainty that she’ll send her children back to school.

“We are honestly considering whether or not we are going to do it. I’m not sure that Dec. 1 is even going to make sense,” said Watkins-Wise.

A parent in the Plum Borough School District would like to see schools remain closed through the end of the year and reopen in January with a hybrid learning plan.

“We kind of have to take people’s word that they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. We have to assume people are being honest and following guidelines as the governor wants us to,” said Sharawnda Keller.

Both Plum High School and Pivik Elementary are closed until Dec. 1 due to COVID-19 cases.

CDC issues warning ahead of Thanksgiving travel

Cox Media Group