To students, parents, and staff,

August of 2020, I briefly helped with nudging Oologah Public Schools to put on a mask mandate with a few peers. As I’m sure most of you remember, Covid-19 was at its peak, or so we thought.

Recently Covid cases have risen more than ever, even in the initial pandemic I believe. I know many people on this community board disagree with the idea of mandates in general, but I strongly urge you to vote in favor of this. 

While it is believed that masks may be less effective with this new variant, it’s better to be safe than sorry. With all of these cases and rumors circulating claiming we’re going online, wouldn’t it be better to try to stay in school?

I know many students struggle with online school, me being one of them. Lockdown caused me and many students at Oologah to isolate themselves from people, which caused anxiety about going back to school. Learning online is also harder for kids, especially those with ADHD and ADD, which I know many Oologah students have.

I am not saying we go farther than a mask mandate, I know many people are skeptical of the vaccine and mandates regarding vaccination are spreading across Oklahoma, and I am not saying we enforce that.

I am saying that we should at least try to help stop the spread of Covid-19, I’ve had many friends out of school miserable from Covid-19. Many friends have had relatives pass from Covid-19, or the poor conditions the hospitals are in due to overcrowding.

So please, from a student who wants the best for my peers and I, consider mandating masks. 

I will link down resources regarding masks below.

Adeline Lewellen with the help of Patricia Moua and Emily Coffelt

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/masks.html