Tens of thousands of students in the Washington region will return to in-person school in the coming weeks. For most, it will be the first time they set foot in a classroom since March 2020.

As the start of the school year looms, teachers and education leaders are weighing the best ways to welcome students back safely. School districts across the region have announced mask mandates; some area colleges have decided to require COVID-19 vaccinations; and educators are being watchful as the emergence of the delta variant has changed the region’s COVID risk.

Meanwhile, students and families are uncertain about what the year has in store. Some are excited to head back to the classroom, while others are fearful for their health or the health of family members.

As WAMU/DCist prepares to cover this important moment for families and schools, we need your help. Students, teachers, parents, and school staff: please take this 5-minute survey and tell us what’s on your mind as you prepare for returning to school.