Justin Murphy – Rochester Democrat and Chronicle USA TODAY NETWORK – in the D&C on 9-7-21 on page A1
The late August sun was scorching, and the parents in line for milkshakes at Rochester’s Flower City School 54 back-to-school party did their best to shade themselves and keep their bounce-housing children hydrated until they could get their treats.
If one overlooked the masks, this event was no different than those at countless other schools in the weeks before school in years past. But the waiting parents were keenly aware of the difference that comes with starting yet another school year under the pall of a pandemic.
What to think about it? Their perspectives differed widely.
“I’m feeling wonderful,” said Maria Rosa, a mother of three students at the school. “It was very challenging doing all the teaching every day, Monday through Friday, with them all having breaks at different times. … It was exhausting.”