From American Public Square at William Jewell

There is no doubt, the coronavirus pandemic is taking its toll on all of us.

We fear for our physical health and safety during this time, and the significantly negative impact of social isolation and inertia is wreaking havoc on our mental health.

In that spirit, parents, educators, lawmakers, and other concerned parties are struggling with the efficacy of physically sending children back into school buildings this fall. American Public Square will grapple with this issue and seek answers to questions surrounding both the physical and mental health risks and rewards of a return to the classroom in the time of COVID.

To join the public square — School in the time of Covid-19? — register at americanpublicsquare.org or click here.

American Public Square is a Kansas City-based community organization working to improve the tone and quality of public discourse by:

• Convening groups and creating space for respectful dialogue on important topics.

• Educating community members about why engaging in this way is important and how to do it well.

• Engaging diverse segments of our society to ensure that multiple perspectives are explored.