Advocacy for a Safe Return to In-Person Learning

I have worked closely with dozens of NPS families this past year, and have engaged with hundreds of families, to advocate for a safe return to in-person learning.  From the beginning of the pandemic and remote schooling, we wanted NPS to have a transparent plan that was based in science.  The science showed that (i) in-person learning could be safely conducted, and (ii) our children faced potentially severe consequences from a lack of in-person learning and peer interaction.  

I led a group of families to organize Newton-resident physicians and scientists to advocate for the formation of a medical advisory committee to guide NPS.  Following a presentation to City Council and a letter (Physician Letter to City) from this group of over 150 physicians and scientists, we submitted a citizen’s petition (Citizens' Petition) so the School Committee would have to address this issue with a public hearing and vote.  After months of encouraging our City leaders to adopt a medical advisory committee, NPS did announce an ad hoc Medical Advisory Board on January 25, 2021 - only 11 days after the filing of that petition.

Separately, I have worked with NPS families at elementary, middle, and high school to focus and advocate on issues specific to each of those grade levels.  I have advocated for action from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and I have worked with City Councilors on addressing the City’s response related to schools.  I believe all of these actions – the formation of a Medical Advisory Board, DESE intervention, and direct advocacy with NPS and the City of Newton – have had a meaningful impact on the School Committee and NPS eventually returning students to our classrooms.