It is our right as parents to decide what is best for our children. We should not have to choose between sending our children to school, or forcing them to wear a mask. I believe that every parent or household should have the right to decide what is best for their individual child. 

I am a mother of an 8 year old in greater Clark county. This year we look forward to all that has been new and exciting in her environment, she has seen smiling faces, desk grouped backed together, an overall comforting environment, and mentioned that third grade is the best grade ever! Third grade is also finally the time when she is able to try out for cheer, which she has patiently waited and prepared for. When we received the call that greater Clark is requiring students wear mask, this decision brought tears to her eyes, as she was just settling in for the school year. It’s simply not fair for me to persuade her that this is right. It is imperative that those in the hearing loss community see our mouths when we are speaking. It is also important that the sound not be affected in any way, by a mask or shield. This can hinder their ability to understand speech and sound, especially in a group setting such as a classroom. All of this goes without saying that their mental and emotional well-being has taken a toll. It will continue too as we continue to constantly change their environment. We hate to consider leaving GCCS but will continue to consider other options best for our family. Please help support the rights of each child & family, the right to wear it, that is your choice, but also the rights to people with opinions other than your own. Each child deserve to been seen and they deserve to be heard. 

I urge you to speak up for your children. If we do not advocate for them, no one else will. With mask mandates being lifted all over the country, it is well past time they also be lifted within our schools. The choice to wear a mask or not, should be left to the individual, not a government official.