VILLAGE OF BELLEVUE, Wis (NBC 26) -- There's a lot of mixed emotions for many parents about sending their children back to school. While social interaction is important for many parents of teenagers, many are also fearful of the possible health risks.
The first day of school is supposed to be a day full of excitement, accompanied by favorite outfits and summertime highlight stories shared among friends. But in the fall of 2020, with the potential of COVID-19 continuing to spread, some teens and parents are anxious about kids heading back to class.
"Especially with the second wave maybe happening and that's really scary to me," says Destiny Loock a Green Bay East High School junior.
"I have friends who think it's all a joke and everything will be fine and others who are worried," adds Destiny's mother, Brenda Loock of Bellevue.
The Loock family is still on the fence as to whether or not the parents or the two teenagers in the house are comfortable going to school in the fall.
"It's a really tough decision," says Brenda.
Destiny Loock, is supposed to start her junior year in the fall, but she's not sure if she's comfortable going back right now and she understands why her mother is so concerned.
"My mom and anybody's mom is you know, worried," says Destiny.
Wrestling with this decision is made even more difficult because of the Loock's first-hand experience with a recent loss.
"She was killed by a reckless driver," says Brenda.
On July 9th it will be exactly 22 months since the Loocks lost 18-year-old Taylor Loock. Taylor was a young woman who was a beloved daughter, sister and friend. Brenda Loock, her mother says it is that loss which is making the decision of sending her children back to school during a pandemic, even tougher.
"When you lose a child there is a fear, a constant fear that you can lose another one at any time."
And while parents will likely debate whether or not it's the right time to send their kids back to school, or whether the social benefits for kids will outweigh the risks, the Loocks' hope their story will help others see how collectively parents are all doing what they think is in the best interest for their kids.
"We don't know enough about the long term effects for there to be one choice or one decision. Everyone needs to respect each other's choice," says Brenda Loock.
