On Thursday, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu announced that in-person classes have been canceled through the end of the school year because of the COVID-19 crisis. Instead, students will continue with remote learning, and officials will re-evaluate the situation at the beginning of the fall semester to see if any adjustments are needed at that time.

Just like what the “new normal” will be after this has passed, the face of our education system likely has change forever.

In addition to academics, the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association followed suit, cancelling the spring sports season. There will be no baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls tennis, boys volleyball and boys and girls outdoor track this year.

What proms – if any – and graduations will look like this year has yet to be determined; however, they likely will either be completely called off or hosted virtually in some manner.

This is, of course, terrible for our local youth, and takes a milestone moment away from them and their families. Staying safe, though, and calling off in-person classes, athletics and end-of-year events is the right thing to do.

“Our hope is to get back to a new model within the classroom in September,” Sununu said.

“This decision was not made lightly given what athletics mean to the participants, parents, and communities across the state,” the NHIAA wrote in a statement. “While it was our hope to salvage some portion of the spring season, the fact that schools will not reopen their doors to students this year and the uncertainty surrounding when or if social distancing guidelines will be lifted has made us face the stark reality that playing high school sports this spring is simply not an option.

Clearly, this call was a last resort. Neither the governor, nor the NHIAA thought they would have to make these difficult – but necessary – decisions. Thankfully, New Hampshire is blessed with quality leadership that can make these tough calls. Kudos to them.

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