East Lake Norman News

State Sen. Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell) recently shared the words of a mother who, even with working from home, said that her family is struggling with virtual learning requirements. 

Sawyer has urged Gov. Roy Cooper to reconsider restrictions that have removed parents from the choice of whether or not children return to in-person schooling.

In addition to sharing about the letter on her official Facebook page on Sept. 14, Sawyer forwarded the letter to Cooper with her request that he reconsider his policy.

"In preparation for virtual learning, I upgraded our internet to the top level of service available in our area, and created a dedicated space in our house," the unnamed parent wrote to Sawyer. "I established a routine for my children, so they know what to expect each day. Despite all of this, I have failed."

The mother wrote that she considers herself fortunate both in being able to work from home and in being used to working remotely, yet even being in a position for success for virtual schooling than many parents around the state, she feels the result has been inadequate.

"I have failed as a parent. I have failed as an educator. I have failed as a proctor. I have failed as a PE teacher, art teacher, music teacher, librarian, lunch lady, janitor, and mom," she wrote to Sawyer.

She wrote that her children are struggling and their interest in learning – in even seeing their classmates – has declined. She said her children are falling behind, and that the effort even to try to keep up leaves them struggling to find time to eat lunch during the day.

"This isn't learning, it's punishment," the mother wrote to Sawyer. "We are failing our kids as a community. Our kids, our parents, our educators and administrators are working harder than ever – yet, we continue to fall short of our mission."