Dear Editor: 

Over a month ago, Downey High School posted a video on Instagram detailing their return to school plan. As many comments on the high school’s Instagram express, this plan is problematic. 

DUSD’s hybrid learning plan forced parents to make a choice on Nov. 15 that would determine their child’s safety as well as the quality of their child’s education. The frustrated comments highlight the inequities in the hybrid learning plan. Downey High’s and the Downey school district’s responses to these comments relay the district’s ineptness to adapt to parent/ student concerns.

One student asked, “Will we be allowed to switch to online if we are uncomfortable with a hybrid?” The Downey High School account responded, “Hi! Switching back and forth will be based on availability as we have to make sure we are keeping our staff and students safe.”

The Downey High School account gave this pre-generated response to several comments of similar nature. What the school’s response to the concern fails to address is what options are left to families if hybrid learning is not as safe in practice.

Offering limited availability to switch back to full distance learning presents several issues that the high school, as well as the district, should care to address. If a student does not feel safe in the hybrid environment why must they be forced to choose between their education and their health? Are they expected to continue hybrid learning despite feeling their safety is at risk? If they make the difficult choice to stop attending their in-person classes how will they keep from falling behind?

One concerned parent commented on a Downey Unified Instagram post: “I’m devastated. 4 days a week and half days? What are parents supposed to do while they work?... When is the next school board meeting? I would like to know how to get on the docket to discuss the concerns from working parents.” To which DUSD’s Instagram responded, “... our Board meeting schedule can be found on our website… we apologize that you are unhappy with the schedules that were selected.”

Aside from its cold nature, the response does little to acknowledge the serious concerns brought up in the comment. How are working parents supposed to manage the hybrid schedule that was not built for them? If the district refused to alter its proposed hybrid schedule, which students will be left behind? Students of working parents receive a completely online educational experience because DUSD’s hybrid plan has not expanded to consider them.

It is without question that parents and students alike are anxious to be back at school. Downey parents must not let DUSD’s hybrid plan be one that only provides in-person classes to the families who have the luxury of time and childcare. High-risk households shouldn’t fear being trapped in an in-person plan when the reality of Covid-19 in our schools is unpredictable. 

Downey Unified’s hybrid learning plan must expand to provide equal education and opportunities for all families and all situations. Beyond restructuring its hybrid plan, DUSD should acknowledge and reach out to those who are being left behind. They should care to address concerns with respect to the validity they present. 

Pre-generated social media responses and redirections present a lack of care for the nuances within all Downey families.

Neysa Moncada
Downey