We, the parents, families and local health care providers of students in the Jonathan Alder Local School District, are urging the Board of Education and Superintendent to change your position regarding mandating masks. We are also asking for timely notification protocols for those who have been exposed to COVID-19 positive individuals in our schools, as well as socially distancing per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to aid in preventing exposure. We need to show that we prioritize health, safety, and in-person learning, and that we follow the recommendations of medical and public health experts.

We agree with the guidance from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that in-person learning options are preferable to virtual for both the academic and social-developmental merits of children. However, these benefits are being vastly undermined by the high COVID-19 outbreaks currently in our district, all because universal masking and social distancing are not being carried out. During the 2020-21 school year, masks and social distancing were implemented, which resulted in 120 cases amongst students and staff. This year, only weeks into the school year, 93 COVID positive cases* have occurred and 220+ are currently in quarantine, which is 78% of the cases of the entire 20-21 school year when masks and social distancing were in place.

While we understand the passion around families wanting to make the decision for their own children, and we recognize that some find it inconvenient, we ask that you please make the choice to protect all children and staff in our community. Our response in this moment demonstrates to our youngest members the type of community that we are raising them in - one that looks out and protects one another, verses one that does not. Please implement masks and social distancing in our district until the CDC, AAP, and local health departments change guidelines regarding children safely attending in person school. 

*As of 9/9/21