We started this pandemic journey being told by Dr. Fauci that we did not need to wear masks if we were not sick. Masks were to stop the germs of the sick from spreading and then, just like that, the narrative changed. Our children needed to be masked at all times, separated, distanced while eating, masked while on busses and we played along because we thought we were keeping our children safe.

Many of us stood on opposite sides of the ring, going back and forth almost daily. Fighting through an illegal mandate, trying to get others to understand their fear should not dictate what our children put over their faces. The mandate was deemed illegal, schools everywhere started to only encourage masks but did not require them. Bangor School District made them optional but set the impossible 1% requirements that have still forced almost all of our children to be masked every day.

I respect Dr. Haws, the administration and the School Board and I understand what the funding could do for the district but I am writing this petition and asking for EVERYONE'S support because I am tired of my children's NOW being sold out for other children's LATER. The masks need to be optional now, with no additional requirements. The ONLY way we will accomplish this is by setting aside our differences, by not caring who was right when and joining forces to give our message the power it needs. You don't need to make a speech or explain your decision to sign

Maybe you are asking why a petition will make a difference? Because they have stopped listening. Many have stopped fighting and the only thing that remains consistent is that our community is divided. Let this petition serve as notice to the BASD administration and Board that we are coming together as one voice and demanding the additional 1% requirements be removed today.

For those who still think it is about safety, the CDC is now admitting that the cloth masks provide the LEAST amount of protection. There are reports suggesting that cloth masks, especially soiled, damp ones, can give the virus something to bind to to encourage transmission. When there are differing scientific opinions about protection and risks, there MUST be a true choice. NJ and other states are changing their tunes quickly and schools like Nazareth are ripping off the bandaid all together and saying enough is enough. The last 2 years will have a lasting negative impact, let's start the road back today.

It makes NO sense that you can go out to a store, a bar, a sporting event, a party…almost anywhere mask free…..free but our children are still masked. They must still go all day trying to understand each other, missing the smiles and interactions from their classmates and their teachers, many hiding behind masks that now serve as a way for a child to fade even deeper into anonymity. They are mocking each other for wanting to wear them or for not wanting to. We did that. Our behavior encouraged their behavior. We will see the repercussions for years and years to come. It is time for us all to take steps into the center from both sides. There doesn’t need to be a right side or a wrong side, we just need to come together NOW.

We cannot do this alone. This is not about politics, this is not you saying you don't care about safety. This is all of us UNITED saying we want the kids and the parents to have a TRUE mask optional policy so we can make the choice for our families.