Nine-year-old Carolyn Austin was eager to return to Goodnoe Elementary to start fifth grade. But her Leukemia diagnosis has cancelled her chances at in-person attendance without a mandated mask policy from Council Rock School District. Maggie Kent covered the Newtown family’s concern for 6abc.

Elizabeth Austin, Carolyn’s mom, feared sending her into a school building with unmasked students, faculty, and staff.

But that was the reality she faced if Carolyn attended class in person. The Council Rock School District made face coverings optional for the 2021-2022 academic year.

“She is at a really high risk,” Elizabeth said. “If she returns to school and there’s no mask mandate, there’s no distancing, there’s also no contact tracing or reporting of cases, there’s no way for me to know if she’s been exposed to anything.”

Prioritizing her daughter’s health, Elizabeth opted for more virtual learning for Carolyn.

“I thought maybe I’d get a chance to see my friends and my teachers because I haven’t even met them yet. Then, when mom told me I might not be able to go back to school, I was feeling really upset,” Carolyn said.

“It seems like a huge sacrifice that certain families are having to make for a mild comfort for others,” Elizabeth said.

More on this story is at 6abc.