I can’t imagine what kids (and teachers) in Western New York have gone through since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March of 2020. Students left the classroom for months as safety became the biggest concern.

However, it’s no secret that many kids and parents want in-person learning to resume and while many are in Western New York, the in-person learning lost over the last 13 months cost schools dearly, in regards to valuable learning students need. One Western New York school superintendent says that summer school could very well be needed.

WGRZ is reporting that Niagara Falls superintendent Mark Laurrie says that the youngest students have suffered the most from the loss of in-person learning; students between grades K through the third grade.

Laurrie believes that summer school is needed for those students. In his opinion, three or four years of summer school is needed.

“In my opinion, it’s gonna take three or four years and we have that time with young kids. You’ve gotta stop talking about the school year that’s something from September to June,” Laurrie said.

Laurrie says summer school will be offered but because summer school isn’t mandatory it’s not clear exactly how many Niagara Falls students will enroll for the classes.

It also depends on how parents feel and perhaps more virtual learning wouldn’t be something that would be welcomed. If I was a parent, I would only agree if it’s in-person, especially taking into account how crazy this past year has been on students and parents alike.

Buffalo schools will also be offering a six-week summer school program for elementary school students.

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