It is imperative for the residents of South Carolina to continue to have the option of in-person school.  We, as residents and parents of South Carolina, are petitioning to keep schools open during the Covid-19 outbreak.  

Another school shutdown will be emotionally, educationally, and economically devastating to our students and their families.  A projected 30% of reading gains and 50% of math skills were expected to be lost during the spring closures.  Students were at greater risk for anxiety, depression, suicide, and abuse in their homes.  Our children deserve stability and a safe place to learn.  

The director of the CDC stated that schools are among the safest places kids can be during this pandemic.  Contact tracing shows that when children contract the virus, it's during family and social gatherings, rather than at school.  Kids are less likely to contract the virus, spread the virus, and have severe symptoms.  The American Academy of Pediatrics also strongly recommended that all students are given the option of in-person school vs remote learning alternatives.  The widespread risks of school closures far outweigh the health risks of COVID-19.  

Please keep South Carolina schools open. We're depending on you.