In-person classes throughout the Philadelphia suburbs have resumed this week, following the holidays, as coronavirus cases spike, writes Anna Orso for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

There was a brief debate over bringing back online learning but that idea was ultimately rejected.

School districts are challenged by the winter surge in cases, as well as a two-year nationwide controversy over the benefits and pitfalls of virtual learning and reopening policies.

Some districts noted the skyrocketing cases and announced contingency plans.

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Wagner Marseille wrote to parents Thursday that students would return to in-person classes, even as he noted the surge in cases.

“Last week our positive numbers grew exponentially and I anticipate we will continue to see those numbers rise during the first two weeks of our return in the new year,” he wrote.

Chester-Upland School District Superintendent Craig L. Parkinson put out a plea to parents to get their children vaccinated.

Students are returning there in person but are also taking electronic devices home each night in case virtual learning has to be temporarily implemented.

Read more in The Philadelphia Inquirer.