MARSHFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The idea of returning to the classroom this fall is a growing concern for students and families, especially those with underlying health conditions. A family in Marshfield is hoping schools are flexible.
Each school district in the state is preparing three different plans for how they could operate this year. The options so far are full classrooms, remote learning, or a combination of both.
15-year-old Bennett Regan lives with cystic fibrosis, a lung disease. He hopes to return to Marshfield High, but said he knows it's not a good option for him.
"In this coronavirus time I have to be super careful when around anyone," Regan said. So do people who are commonly around me, they have to be just as careful as I am."
Regan will likely keep learning online because of his disease. He is not just concerned about his own safety. Regan is also concerned about his parents and parents of younger children with cystic fibrosis, who have to choose between going back to work or staying home to keep them safe.
That is why he has reached out to lawmakers to ask them to help families of children with cystic fibrosis.
As part of Teen Advocacy Day, Regan sent a video message to Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, and Representative Bill Keating. He asked for increased paid leave for parents with children with cystic fibrosis in the next COVID-19 bill.
Regan said reopening is making parents choose between returning to work or staying at home to protect their kids.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports
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(Photo: Bennett Regan. James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio)