We, the undersigned, call for immediate action to allow our children the right to full time, in person education for the 2020 academic year.  We believe the draconian regulations and guidelines set in place for a “safe return to school” are beyond all local and national standards, and are prohibiting full time occupancy in the classroom.  Current guidelines set forth by the CDC for school reopening clearly state that:
·      If there is no to minimal community transmission, reinforcing everyday preventive actions, ensuring proper ventilation within school facilities, including buses, and maintaining cleaning and disinfection practices remain important. These actions can help minimize potential exposure. Schools should also monitor absenteeism among teachers, staff, and students to identify trends and determine if absences are due to COVID-19, symptoms that led to quarantine, concerns about being in the school environment and personal health and safety, or positive test results. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should stay home and self-isolate for the timeframe recommended by public health officials. Anyone who has had close contact with someone who has tested positive or is symptomatic for COVID-19 should stay home until receiving a negative result, or stay home and monitor for symptoms.
 
The infection rate in NYS currently averages around 1%, with many regions well below this.  For example, the Finger Lakes region currently is 0.6%; with the Southern Tier and the North Country at 0.4% and 0.2% respectively.  Unarguably, this should be considered minimal community transmission, and while strict cleaning protocols should remain in place, according to CDC guidelines stated above, social distancing measures and mandatory masking should be relaxed. 
While most school districts are currently offering a full-time virtual option, very few have have also offered families the option to return to in person education full time.  Most districts state that the excessive restrictions and guidelines for school “safety” prohibit full time attendance. 
The CDC guidelines for schools can be referenced here:
 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/cloth-face-cover.html
The clear recommendation remains that masks should be worn when 6ft distancing is not possible.  If 6 ft distancing is possible, masks are not required.  There is no single scenario where both masks AND 6 ft of distancing is suggested.  However, because of demands brought about by the NYSUT,  schools have been told they must maintain 6 feet social distancing at all times even while wearing masks.   This has made it impossible for large districts to open full time, purely due to building size and space limitations.  Further more, most districts are requiring masks be worn continuously by students of all ages  throughout the day with the only exceptions of, while seated (socially distanced) eating lunch, designated mask relief areas spaced 12 feet apart for brief excused breaks, and while outside and spaced 12 feet apart.  Students are required to keep masks on during PE and even during band.  These regulations are not seemingly based on any scientific evidence or guideline in existence. 
 
We are deeply concerned with the current academic plan.  The overwhelming data and science are clear, children are extremely low risk for COVID infection and transmission.  The resounding message is that the overwhelming detriment of continued shuttering of schools is far greater than COVID for children. 
 
We, the undersigned, ask:
 
1.     With an infection rate in NYS of 1% from COVID-19, what is to be considered “safe” at this point?  What is the clear cut criteria, which when met, allow for relaxing of both the distancing and masking requirements, in order to allow for full time in person learning 5 days per week?   More children are dying from suicide, and drug overdose than COVID-19, and this rate continues to rise.  Schools are considered to be safety points and crucial in mitigating children who are at risk both socially and academically.  Does the widely accepted benefit of structured, in person education, not outweigh the minimal risk of COVID-19?
2.    Safety guidelines universally and clearly state that social distancing of 6ft is recommended to reduce the risk from COVID-19.  IF this distance cannot be maintained, then a mask is recommended.  School districts are enforcing both masking and distancing.  We ask why? If children are required to wear masks while in the classroom, is it not possible to allow for larger class sizes and thus the option for full time in person education? 
3.    What is the science supporting 12 ft of distance when unmasked outdoors and masking during physical exertion in schools? 
4.    How are children with IEP plans, or other supported services, adequately served virtually? 
5.    The protocols for testing children with illness and quarantine also defy current CDC guidelines.  They essentially require a negative COVID-19 test for a child to return to school.  This places a huge financial burden on parents, and puts further strain on working parents.  Furthermore, it subjects children to often unnecessary testing.  If a medical professional evaluates our children, deems them safe to return to school, and does not feel a COVID-19 test is warranted, why isn’t that enough? 
 
We, the undersigned, request:
 
1.     Transparency. We request the data and science utilized to determine school policy and regulation, as current data and science available do not support the draconian measures implemented.
2.    An option for full time, in person, education for our children.  We understand the risks as well as the benefits, and fully believe our children belong in school.  Virtual learning or even a hybrid approach is not sustainable nor does it begin to provide the all-encompassing education our children deserve.  To continue this approach throughout the 2020-2021 school year is unfathomable. 
We believe it is feasible to offer full time education, while continuing the virtual model for those who are uncomfortable or potentially higher risk. 
 
 
We thank you for your time and consideration.