Winter: 'I encourage all parents to respectfully let your voices be heard on this issue — for the children.'

To the Editor:
       The Minnesota Department of Education will announce on July 27 whether or not to open Minnesota schools this fall.
       I advocate for Luverne and other Minnesota schools to fully reopen on schedule.
       The Luverne Public School District is one of the best around. We have wonderful, gifted teachers who love to guide and mold our young people into becoming strong, confident, knowledgeable, caring and thoughtful adults.
       Effective teaching is best accomplished through face-to-face interaction between students and teachers in the school environment.
       Learning through a screen, even with a gifted teacher on the other side of the screen, just doesn’t cut it, especially for our younger students. It’s like trying to learn how to swim by watching a video – not very effective at all.
       Rock County, as of this letter, has (35) COVID-19 cases and zero deaths. Children are at very low risk of catching or spreading the illness.
       Let’s move forward with courage and conviction and get back to living our lives for the better. I encourage all parents to respectfully let your voices be heard on this issue – for the children.
       Mike Winter
       Luverne