Manteca Unified School District, Oakdale Joint Unified School District, Lodi Unified School District, and Tracy Unified School District have decided to reopen schools without protecting our children and educators.

A small group of people are bullying our schools and forcing them to make decisions that put our students’ education in jeopardy and lives in danger. These people are saying things like, they are not going to make their child wear a mask, but our students have a right to go to school and get a safe education. Our students have a right to a safe education even if that means protecting them by temporarily putting in place social distancing and wearing masks. This would require smaller classes, not placing up to 34 students into a classroom. We’re not opposed to going back to school, but we need safeguards for everyone. An AM/PM or alternating day schedule would create smaller classes of 12-15 students. It would also require making sure the air conditioning units are not recirculating air.  It would also require daily temperature checks.  Without these safeguards, our schools will be dangerous to students and staff, and the schools will have to close again.

In Manteca Unified there are 23,722 students who will be in danger of getting COVID-19, in Oakdale Joint Unified there are 5,315 students, Lodi Unified School District there are 31,394, and Tracy Unified School District there are approximately 16,000 students all whom can take the virus home to their parents or grandparents. Opening schools without social distancing is not only dangerous for the students but is actually more dangerous for the teachers. Teachers of all ages can be seen in schools and it has been observed that older people are more prone to the virus. Social distancing will be beneficial for the students as well as the teachers.

As you know, COVID-19 cases are rising and have not dropped. As of June 26th, it has killed 499,619 people. Many people have lost loved ones due to this pandemic and by reopening schools without safety measures they are endangering students and educators to be exposed to COVID-19. There are more cases now than when the schools made the decision to open full time. As of June 27th, hospitals in our area saw a 123% increase of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, there was a 105% increase in COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Health officials have stated that the 2nd wave of COVID-19 will be worse. So, reopening without social distancing and other safety measures before the 2nd wave even hits us is irresponsible and dangerous. We understand everyone is rejoicing for things to get back to normal but not without offering protections like social distancing and facemasks during a pandemic where people are DYING, now is not the time.

It is believed that children’s immune systems are strong enough to resist the virus.  However, this is not the case for everyone as different people have different immune systems. The students will become super spreaders because as we all know, children are known for maintaining poor hygiene.  This will spread COVID throughout our communities.  You may be safe and asymptomatic, but those family and friends that we cherish who are immunocompromised might suffer and die.

What are we asking for?

• Smaller class sizes that will allow for social distancing
• Requirement of safeguards such as masks
• Staggered morning and afternoon sessions
• Follow reasonable Centers for Disease Control Guidelines
• Follow reasonable California Department of Health Guidelines
• Follow reasonable County Public Health Guidelines

Protect our students right to a safe education and let your voice be heard, sign the petition for social distancing and safer schools.