BOSTON — Boston 25 News spoke to a mother who stopped working altogether, when the pandemic hit, so she could care for and help educate her grandchildren and her son, who is in a wheelchair. That parent told us she’s very thankful teachers will soon be vaccinated.
“I don’t get to see my teachers in real life,” said Michael Lee, a fourth grader.
But starting on Monday, that will soon change for Michael, when he goes back to Sarah Greenwood School in Dorchester.
On Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced teachers will be allowed to schedule vaccination appointments starting on March 11.
“I’m happy that I get to see my teachers,” he said.
“It’s a lot of relief for me,” said Rene Banks, Michael’s grandmother.
Rene Banks has been home with her son and grandkids for an entire year, which forced her to quit her job as a therapeutic mentor.
“We don’t know if we can go to work, and stay at work. We’re not sure if our kids will be able to maintain school,” said Banks.
Banks is happy children will return to in-person learning, but there is also a sense of fear lingering in her mind.
“The parents, we’re just scared that we get them in the groove of going to school, someone may come up with COVID, then the schools are shut down again,” said Banks.
Banks is also worried about one of her grandkids bringing the virus home to her 10-year-old son Wesley.
Banks said Wesley has a rare muscle disease.
“It’s been a lot on us, and it’s too much,” said Banks.
But for Michael, the thought of not being in front of the computer makes him happy.
“I had to type with my fingers and they hurt,” he said.
It’s the little things that will make a big difference.
Banks said she will not be sending her son back to school just yet because of his condition. She said school officials asked her if it would be OK for her son to get a COVID test once a week.
Banks said with her son’s condition, it’s not safe to send him back to school.
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