School Is Off To A Slow Start, And It's Going To Be A Long Year

With Labor Day weekend gone, summer is unofficially over — and millions of children head back to school this week, many virtually.

Two teachers — Rosie Reid in California and Lynette Stant in Arizona — share how things are going in their schools so far.

Many states have decided to allow high school football to go forward, even if kids are not in school. NPR's Tom Goldman reports thatone coach in Alabama is demanding a coronavirus testing program for his players.

Students who are not in school are not just missing out on in-person education. Many are missing free or reduced-cost meals. NPR's Cory Turner reports on how some school districts are trying to feed students when they're not in school.

And for many parents who can't work at home, no school means a need for child care. But a recent study suggests millions of child care centers may not reopen after the pandemic, as Kavitha Cardoza with member station WAMU reports.

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This episode was produced by Brianna Scott, Lee Hale and Brent Baughman. It was edited by Sami Yenigun and Beth Donovan with help from Wynne Davis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.