To not quote but to add to the discussion. We just went back to all in after teachers were vaccinated, but stupidly not 2 weeks past 2nd dose, but days later. We were either hybrid or distance learning (zooms daily during the school day for middle and high, no clue what grade school did) the rest of the year. Parents even sued the district to try to get all in hence not waiting 2 weeks
Kids do get face to face interactions
They do get to socialize some, but not fully. People are kidding themselves if they think separated groups for eating and then 6' apart mixing after is the same as normal. My kid still hasn't seen his best friend in school in a year because they are split in 2 different groups.
However via zooms they did get group work in break out rooms
They got interaction with teachers.
Limited socialization though considering our D&D group has been distance only for almost a year, it's not horrible.
The biggest issue are the kids at risk. Ones with IEPs and 504 plans have had it harder though our schools did allow them more days in school even when distance
Underprivileged kids will be suffering the most. Not just food, which many schools tried to help, but also someone to watch when others wouldn't otherwise. I give kudos to many com companies for providing internet access to many.
Nothing is ideal. CDC is extremely clear on what they feel is best. Parents are tired though and for some it's a true hardship with kids out of school. Some districts spread elementary school kids across more schools and kept older kids remote for that reason.
If people worked together more though instead of pushing agendas I think we could have helped more instead of fighting about it. Sadly it's so political now that it's blatantly obvious in some cases who are die hard either way. Though deniers are more vocal about putting kids back despite recommendations. My district has multiple classes out on quarantine due to inability to distance. That never happened in hybrid. Consistency is paramount right now for kids as they often have none.
For the record I work from home only part time. So my offspring get the joy of being with me all summer, winter as well as spring break. I am looking at it more from others as a whole. I get this is hard and some areas had churches step up with care for those in need.