[Debate on the return to face-to-face classes in Pandemic]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Educational Policy
• Socio-emotional Learning

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated school closures, prompting discussions on reopening and societal educational adjustments.
• Health professionals analyzed the repercussions of resuming school activities on physical health, emotional well-being, and academic progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the implications of school reopening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify protective factors and potential threats associated with returning to in-person education.
• To emphasize the role of schools in socio-emotional learning and family support.

Main Methods:

• Information collection and reflection by a group of health professionals.
• Analysis of known protective factors and potential threats related to school reopening.
• Consideration of diverse local realities and community participation in decision-making.

Main Results:

• Decisions regarding school reopening should be informed and tailored to local contexts.
• The common good requires balancing student needs, teacher protection, and educational system roles.
• Schools serve as crucial spaces for emotional containment and adaptation for students and families.

Conclusions:

• Informed, participatory local decision-making is essential for navigating educational challenges post-pandemic.
• The pandemic highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities, presenting an opportunity for societal change.
• A new civilization must integrate education, physical and mental health, social collaboration, and individual responsibility.