I think people that phrase it as protecting the kids aren't being completely honest. Kids are not likely to die from COVID. As of June 17, only 13 kids aged 5-14 have died from COVID in the US (out of 103K deaths). What I am worried about are the people that interact with the students. Parents, teachers, grandparents, kids with pre-existing conditions, etc. Opening the schools would greatly increase the number of cases and put more vulnerable people at risk.