Millions of families around the United States are now waiting for news from their schools. When the semester starts, some schools will be open - while others will continue with distance education.

In Portland, Oregon, the news is that much of the fall is expected to be done remotely. In other school districts in the United States, children will take turns being in school on different days, and in a few places the schools are expected to open much as usual. 

- Having all students in the school building at the same time, five days a week is not good. It will be too close. This will create a bigger problem. We are still so far behind other places when it comes to controlling the virus. I think it only takes one spark to make matters worse, says Wendy Coppage, who alone is supporting her son Chris, 12, and grandson Zeke, 13.

Children with special needs are hard hit

She is not alone in her worries. Only about 33 percent of Americans think it is safe to reopen schools, according to a survey by CNBC and Change Research. 50 percent do not think it is safe - and 17 percent are unsure. 

When large parts of the United States shut down in the spring, children with special needs were hit hard. The pandemic made it more difficult and sometimes impossible for the children to get the extra help they need and are entitled to. There are 7.1 million such children in the United States, one of whom is Wendy Coppage. 

- It's not fair. I think there must be solutions that work for every child, she says.