According to the briefing issued by Governor Cuomo on Monday, July 26, 2021, localities now have the control to implement guidance regarding COVID mandates. What this means is the guidance our school districts follow will now be determined by you.

As we continue through the pandemic, it has been well-documented that children have the lowest risk of transmission and serious complications from COVID. According to the Governor, 75% of New York State residents are vaccinated, and Nassau's transmission rates are low to moderate. As a result, we urge you to bring back parental choice and make mask mandates optional for the upcoming 2021/2022 school year.

While we are well aware of the recent mask guidance issued by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, we are here to remind you that their recommendations are just that - recommendations. Furthermore, these organizations do not know our children individually. We, along with our healthcare providers, are the authority figures regarding what is best for the health and safety of our children. We can no longer apply the guidance of these organizations as one size fits all.

We are counting on you to set guidelines that are inclusive of all families throughout our district . We, the concerned parents and citizens of Island Trees urge you to put the health and safety of our children first and give parents a choice.