CHOICE, by definition, is ‘the act of choosing; the power, right, or liberty to choose; option; an alternative.’

Fortunately, the majority of adult Americans, get to make their own choices from day to day…what to eat, what to drink, what to wear… which leads me to just that. For the past (almost) 2 years, students across America have been the focal point of this never ending ‘mask mandate’ that’s been sweeping the country since disaster struck back during the COVID ‘crisis’/Presidential Election heist of 2020. Since then, students at SEARCY Public Schools in Searcy, Arkansas, haven’t had a choice, or a voice, in whether or not they want to wear a paper/cloth mask/face covering. Has anyone ever wondered how the kids/students feel about having to wear them? Has anyone ever asked them how they feel about them? Ever thought about their mental well being? I know how my kids feel. They hate them! And I sure question the ‘effectiveness’ of these masks when it’s been almost 2 years…and no end in sight… numbers going up, actually…         
As a parent, I want what’s best for my child. But I don’t need/want someone telling me what’s best for my child.  Let’s also not forget the hypocrisy in all of this. No one is really ‘required’ to wear them at any paid SEARCY sporting events…or any time after 3:00pm, for that matter…or on weekends.  Faculty and staff can often be seen at after school, indoor sporting events/functions without masks…but our kids HAD to have masks on just HOURS earlier at school? 
And as long as students wear any TYPE of face covering between the hours of 8am-3pm, Mon-Fri, all is good? I don't agree. I would like MY choice back. My kids would like THEIR choice back.  This really isn’t about whether you agree with masking or not. It’s simply a choice for all of us as parents and students, who don’t necessarily feel this is about health anymore. We, as a country, CANNOT afford to lose our choices. One ‘solution’ isn’t choice. Especially when it’s non-effectiveness has been proven time and time again. Freedom comes from choice and you can’t have one without the other.  
I hope we can, at least, agree on the fact that we cannot afford to lose our choices/freedoms…especially when it involves our kids.

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Searcy High School’s Mission Statment:

Because education is a life-long process of paramount importance to the well-being of the individual and the DEMOCRATIC way of life, it is necessary for students to develop positive work habits, adaptability, understanding, and the ability to live and work in a diverse, technological society.