Benefits vs. risks of reopening Butte County schools

A local school psychologist says it going to be different from family to family and only time will tell what those long term impacts may be.

Butte county school campuses reopen -- many f amilies are feeling relieved to send their kids back..

Concerned over the potential toll of social isolation.

New at 5 --action news now reporter kristian lopez is live in chico, kristian, do the potential benefits of reopening schools... outweigh the risk?

Hayley i talked to an expert today who says it's going to be different from family to family.

He says only time will tell what the long term impacts may be.

Juan smelcer/4th grader: bored and sad and a little moody.

That's how 4th grader, juan smelcer says he's been feeling these past few months while having to learn at home.

Juan smelcer/4th grader: it's making me really sad i miss all of my friends and everything.

I want to do real life stuff i'm tired of working on a computer.

David levy/school psychologist: kids are very resilient, it depends on the kid and the specific circumstances they are in.

David levy is a school psychologist in chico.

He says if parents make the choice to not send their children back to campus - its important to look out for any changes in behavior.

David levy/school psychologist: more withdraws, anything that might indicate they may be struggling, it's important to have conversations and be present.

And if you do send your kids back there are ways you can help them transition back to in-person learning.

David levy/school psychologist: there's a lot parents can do, they can talk about the expectations, it's going to be different than it was before..

They are going to have to take it one day a time.

They are mostly going to be happy to see their friends but there will need to be reminders of the rules and the things we need in place.

Kristian: do you think it's going to be hard with the restrictions?

Juan smelcer/4th grader: yes, very hard.

I don't really like it that much but we have to do it even if we don't want to.

Despite the challenges juan is excited to be reunited with his friends.

Juan smelcer/4th grader: i'm very happy that school is reopening.

If you do decide to not send your child back to school, levy says you should try to find other ways to help them have those social interactions whether its online or attending community events in a safe manner.

In chico kl action news now coverage you can count on.

Butte county superintendent of schools mary sakuma says there are about 30,000 students in the county and the majority of parents want to send their children back to school.

They are addressing any concerns from parents and teachers on a case by case basis.