Last week’s news that schools in Somerville will be partially reopened – tentatively scheduled to commence the first week of March – has been extremely well received by many, but also met with some trepidation by those who are concerned that it may be too soon, considering the extent to which the coronavirus pandemic still affects so many.

The first phase will only bring students in High Needs Special Education programs, English Learner programs, and Pre-K and Kindergarten back to the classrooms at first, with grades 1-8 to follow later.

Practically everyone wants to see a return to school for our children, under the right circumstances. We recognize the fact that children need socialization and proper instruction by qualified teachers.

Parents have been doing their best to pick up the slack during the lockdown, but many feel that home schooling is a poor substitute for the full classroom experience.

Mental health and child welfare professionals bemoan the harm that can be caused by too much isolation and lack of contact with peers and qualified educators. And the pressures applied to parents as they cope with the responsibilities of assuming the dual roles of parenting and educating can cause further harm.

Still, some feel that the school reopenings should not be rushed. That safety should come first, and that waiting a bit longer – until all teachers and most other have been vaccinated – is the wisest course of action. It’s a fine line to walk, and we pray that it works out well.