SELS is the ONLY school in TTUSD that is going against district, state and federal policy by mandating masks outdoors. Six hours a day, 5 days a week in a mask is NOT what is best for our children.

Regardless of how you may feel about masking in general, it is clear there are NO mandates, guidance or recommendations by any governing agency that suggests mandating masks outside is best for children. Therefore forcing them to do so is against district policy. 

While the school has said they will accommodate mask breaks, that means we leave it up to already overwhelmed teachers and our 5+ year-olds to advocate for themselves in an environment that is aggressive with this new mandate. This should not be an added responsibility of a 5+ year old on top of indoor masking while already trying to navigate academics, community and friendships. 

We are asking SELS to adhere to the guidelines put forth by TTUSD and the CDC and to make masks optional when outdoors. 

TTUSD: "The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) mandates that face masks are required for all individuals indoors at all TK-12 facilities WHEN students are present, regardless of vaccination status. When outdoors, face masks are optional and not required, even on TK-12 campuses with students present. Students participating in an outdoor P.E. class or activity do not need to wear a mask. Staff members are not required to wear a mask when outdoors." 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pZGxjN2VhHirAZCXHw7R2OpJ2Oe84QavAkY1JsnbV_w/edit 

"CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors (e.g., participating in outdoor play, recess, and physical education activities)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

"CDPH Guidance for K-12 Schools (Guidance) requires mandatory universal masking indoors in K-12 settings...Masks are optional outdoors for all in K-12 school settings." 

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/K-12-Guidance-2021-22-School-Year.aspx