Student group launches petition to get back to class

Metro Wire Staff

A group of Stevens Point high school students say they want to go back to class.

An online petition was launched last week, spearheaded by SPASH student Jacob Bembenek, asking district officials to let students return to in-person classes at least four days a week. Currently, students in grades 7-12 attend in-person classes in cohorts, or smaller groups, two staggered days a week, with two e-learning days.

“As students of SPASH, along with numerous district community members, many of us feel left in the dark and frustrated by the lack of a proper education,” the petition reads in part. “The evidence is clear; students cannot learn online—a fact many know through first-hand experience. While we recognize the issues that come with reopening in the current situation, we believe that a number of new studies, coupled with low case rates in Portage County, would allow for a safe return to our school.”

The Centers for Disease Control on Friday issued updated guidelines for reopening schools, which include social distancing, masks, and more frequent cleaning of facilities and equipment.

The group has also started a Facebook page and is seeking testimonials from students regarding their experiences without in-person classes.

This story will be updated