We are writing as parents who are concerned about our children’s education. None of us could have anticipated the pandemic or that schools would switch to virtual platforms. Yet after more than a year of remote learning we discovered something – some of our children actually learn BETTER virtually. 

 

Children and parents with health issues should always have an option for Virtual  We need this option more than ever.  2021 This was delivered to the Governor with no response. September 2023 - Still fighting, keep signing. 

 

We are writing as parents who are concerned about our children’s education. We are asking for three things:

1. 4/10/22 - Allow New Jersey schools to offer virtual learning while pulling in providers so there is no interference with in person learning 

(2021 Allow New Jersey schools to offer virtual learning for this coming 2021-2022 school year for parents who CHOOSE to have their children learn virtually.)

2. Allow virtual learning to continue beyond 2022 by approving virtual-only schools to operate as free public or charter schools in New Jersey.

3. Parents should be given the right to choose what works best for their children's education, no matter the reason it should be allowed. Forcing all children in person is not an equitable education 

4. Meet with us. When you hear our personal stories, we believe we can help you understand why free public virtual school is so important to us.

Our reasons remain the same over one year later. The governor still has not met with us 

2021 ~ When we started this petition, the pandemic seemed to be heading in a better direction. Our goal was to keep virtual school as a CHOICE for a little longer, until the pandemic was completely under control. Now, with the Delta variant surging, we are even more concerned. In addition, after more than a year of remote learning we discovered something – some of our children actually learn BETTER virtually.

For a variety of reasons, including the pandemic, disabilities, medical conditions, and bullying, many of our children have THRIVED during remote learning in ways they never thrived in person. Many of us don’t want to “return to normal” because “normal” wasn’t working for our kids.
Thirty-three US States have permanent, free, public or charter virtual school options. Many of these programs predated the pandemic, others have been added or have expanded within the last year. Our neighbor Pennsylvania, for example, has operated virtual academies successfully for over a decade. Pennsylvania’s virtual program does not detract from the in-person school experience, rather it provides a vital choice and reaches students that otherwise would be falling through the cracks. 33 States already know what we New Jersey parents have recently discovered -- that virtual school is a valuable alternative for students who struggle during traditional in-person school.
Governor Murphy, you have said repeatedly that “every child should be in school in person.” We disagree. Respectfully, we request a meeting with you and with Interim Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan, so we can share our stories and convince you that virtual is a better option than in-person school for some students, both in the short-term while the Delta variant is surging and for the long term for students who learn better virtually.
Many of us have children with complex medical needs that make them high risk for serious complications from any cold or virus including COVID-19. Many of us have children with disabilities that have been better managed at home. Many of our children qualify for special education and have IEPs (Individual Education Plans). Our IEPs are supposed to ensure our children receive INDIVIDUALIZED education delivered in a way that best meets their needs. For many of us, remote learning best meets the needs of our children. For many of us, our children’s teachers agree that virtual school is helping our kids improve by leaps and bounds and helping them succeed in ways they never have before. Frustratingly, our school districts will no longer be allowed to provide the format that works best for our children because the State of New Jersey will not permit them to continue to provide a virtual option.
While we understand that learning in person is best for many students, we also know that learning virtually is what is best for other children. Families deserve to have a CHOICE in our children’s education and to do what is best for our kids.
Governor, we need your support. Please allow virtual programs to operate in New Jersey. if you need more information, meet with the parents and students who have benefitted from virtual learning. When you see how it has helped our children, maybe you will understand why we are so passionate about maintaining it.
A virtual option for the future is needed for any family who wishes that type of education for their child, regardless of their reasons.
Families need a virtual school option. Education is not one size fits all, Our Children are not one size fits all.

 

Families need a virtual school option. Education is not one size fits all, Our Children are not one size fits all. 

Thank you.

New Jersey Parents for Virtual Choice 

njpfvc@gmail.com
https://njparentsforvirtual.wixsite.com/website
https://www.facebook.com/NJPFVC