Today was the last day of school for many public school districts on the Central and South Coasts before the Christmas break.
For schools which returned to in person learning – it could be the last day students are in their classrooms for some time, as coronavirus cases continue to spike across the region.
Some parents, whose children attend school within Moorpark Unified Schools District, are wondering whether today will be the last day of in-person learning for some time.
Students are already being asked to take classes from home for the two weeks after Christmas.
Jamie – who has two children in school in Moorpark, says she has had to weigh up the pros and cons of in-person learning for her children, at this time.
"My daughter is in first grade, she's 6, and my son is in third grade, he's 8. When I first found out that they were going to be sending the kids back to school I was not incredibly happy about it.
"But I knew if I didn't send them back, they would be at a disadvantage. It felt like a rock and a hard place, I didn't want my kids to fall behind or not have what their peers are having.
"We decided we would send them and feel out the waters and it went pretty good.
"After Thanksgiving break, there was an increase in cases and they had their first cases at our school. It doesn't make me feel great.
"After Christmas break, they've asked everyone to do distance learning for two weeks. They will be home until January 19."
She says she doesn't envy those in admin positions, having to make these decisions for the schools.
In a month, it will be decision time for Moorpark schools and parents about whether to return to in-person learning.
No doubt everyone will be hoping that by then, there will be a downward trend – but with the Christmas festivities in-between, that will be a challenge.
