While some students logged into school from home during the pandemic, some disappeared altogether. In communities across the country, educators and leaders have embarked on an unprecedented quest to find missing students, in hopes of re-engaging them in formal education – before it's too late. But coming back to school poses formidable hurdles. To attend in person, Los Angeles students must arrive with a negative COVID-19 test Monday, and pass a daily health screener. Beyond the procedural items, a more infectious variant of the coronavirus has landed more children in hospitals, heightening health fears about returning kids to schools. Many are also suspicious of the protection offered by COVID-19 shots, and they worry government records for the shots will lead to immigration problems for their families. On top of those fears, parents here are out of the habit of sending their children to school. Nonprofit groups helping to find kids say more aggressive and coordinated outreach efforts are necessary. They have little information about who has committed to return and which parents need additional coaxing. #covid #backtoschool #pandemic #education #health