Tonight the Dover NH School Board voted 6 to 1 to return K-5 students for half day, in person instruction.  This vote was despite the numerous parents who spoke against half days. Parents from both sides of the aisle,  those for a full return to school and those for remaining fully remote, all agreed that the half day model is problematic. 

We the parents have spoken, yet we continue to be ignored. We want a choice between full day hybrid and fully remote. Half day instruction does not work for families. This creates additional hardship on those already struggling.  This additional hardship and stress will negatively impact our students.

The opposition to full day hybrid is a concern surrounding lunch. Students can eat at their desk as they are doing in other local districts.  The school lunch program can continue to offer bagged lunch options instead of hot lunch to remove the need for students to be in the cafeteria.

This decision is not in the best interest of Dover students or families, nor is it in the best interest of our teachers. We, the undersigned, demand the schoolboard rescind their half day decision and establish a plan for full day hybrid with an option for fully remote for those families who prefer it.