COVID-19 and the 2021-22 School Year: What to Expect

We’ve got good news and bad news for you as you’re sending the kids back to school for the 2021-22 academic year.

The good news: Teachers and students will feel the heaviest weight of the pandemic lifted, and that’ll make the beginning of this school year feel more normal, compared to last year.

The bad news: COVID-19 is still a public health problem. So mask wearing and other safety protocols are still going to be part of your child’s life. 

With the rollout of the COVID vaccine in Indiana, we can expect an even more normal school year this time around. Indiana schools are returning for full-time, in-person instruction, as   Gov. Eric  Holcomb announced last spring.

But masks and other safety protocols will vary from school to school, which may make things confusing for parents and students alike. 

As a parent, it’s normal to be concerned about your child’s well-being. So, as you prepare your child for the first weeks of school, familiarize yourself with your school district’s protocols regarding masks, hand washing, and social distancing. For the sake of your family and your community, monitor your child’s health and keep them home if they show any signs or symptoms of illness And stay up to date on the latest vaccine news as trials continue to push for a safe vaccine for children. 

This school year will likely be a lot less stressful on teachers and students than last year. How could it not, right? However, everyday academic stress can still be difficult for kids to handle. Make sure to set aside some time for summer fun this month, even if the kids have already returned to school.

Getting outside is still the best way to enjoy summer afternoons, and Hancock County’s plentiful parks and green spaces make that easy for families. Why not keep up some of the routines of summer, like family bike rides, pool trips, or other outdoor activities you all enjoy? You can even plan weekend camping trips well into September and October. Local farms, the zoo, sporting events, and nature preserves are also fun outdoor activities.

Although back-to-school is more normal this year than last, it still doesn’t feel like it did before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s a good idea to let your children know what to expect as they head back to the classroom—and take time for some stress-relieving fun, too. We wish you a happy and healthy school year!