Parents, students, and staff from Marquette University High School, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (DSHA), and Wisconsin Lutheran High School stood united outside of the City of Milwaukee Health Department building Monday afternoon with one message to city leaders: reopen schools to in-person learning.
City Health Officials said on Friday that under the current COVID-19 conditions, schools cannot reopen to in-person learning while the city is under Phase 4.
Protesters against the public health order marched from the Health Department building over to City Hall, holding signs that said, “In-person learning is essential.”
Jeff Monday, principal of Marquette University High School, said they consulted with medical professionals to create a comprehensive and safe plan for students.
“Our parents are convinced. We feel comfortable with the plan. We believe that it’s safe for students to return to the school,” said Monday.
“I believe the City should hear us out and let students go back if they could do so safely,” said Hunter Harris, a Marquette University High School Senior.
Katie Konieczny, President of DSHA, said the school was planning on adopting a hybrid model. Half of the students would resume in-person learning, the other half virtual classes.
“We surveyed our parents and 82% want to be in school, the others are open to the virtual,” said Konieczny.
Konieczny said each classroom would be equipped with cameras so students could tune in virtually.
“We have put a lot of time into our plan,” said Konieczny.
Most parents and students agreed with that plan.
“It has us working in home and in school and we also get to have the tools in school and seeing our teachers in person,” said DSHA freshman, Evie Coffou.
We did reach out to the City of Milwaukee Health Department but have not heard back from them.