Editorial: Adhere to an honor system to keep students, staff safe in schools

Schools will be back in session next week in Charles City and New Kent. It will be the first time many of the students will interact and see their peers physically in more than the year. As communities, we must do our part to keep each other safe and healthy as we continue to fight the pandemic. That means adhering to an honor system.

We must realize that there is a high probability that a quarantine will take place in our local schools. The thing is, that probability can be reduced if we do the right things.

If you are the parent of a child who is sick, keep them at home until they are feeling better. If you are a community member who attends a social outing that has children or employees, stay at a respectable distance. If you enter the school buildings, adhere by their rules and wear a mask. It can simple things like that can make a huge difference.

I think the biggest issue is that at times, we are too proud or too stubborn of who we are. There are times where we want to make a point and will purposely defy rules and recommendations. This is all of us to an extent and not certain groups. That pride and stubbornness can blind us at times and can do more damage than good. No matter if it is wearing a mask, trying to complete a construction project by taking shortcuts, cutting in line because someone was holding your spot, there are effects that will impact lives.

Yes, it’s frustrating to wear masks. But we need to self-control and to uphold an honor system to keep each other safe during this time. This is the new normal, but we can fight it and return to a much more enjoyable way of living if we sacrifice just a little bit longer.

Be honest in your decisions. Make the right choices for others and not yourself when it comes to keeping safe. Our future leaders cannot guide the next generation if they are buried or cremated before they graduate.

Let us all do our part. Let’s make choices that will benefit all and not some.