We don’t think this is too much to ask for

Unfortunately, within LDCSB classrooms some children are still being told that they are not permitted to speak while they are eating lunch and snacks because their masks are down.  Although this is not an official board policy somehow this rule has made its way into multiple schools within our community.  This rule is not supported by the Ministry of Education, The Ontario Covid-19 Science Table, The Sick Kids Pediatric reports or the Middlesex London Health Unit.  These medical/scientific bodies understand the importance of balancing risk of COVID-19 infection with mental health deterioration in our children.  I can understand educators motives to try and limit the spread of the virus but the negative impact is not justified in this matter.  Just to be clear, we are NOT discussing the safety of speaking with food in your mouth, or the etiquette of speaking quietly inside a classroom.  This is only in reference to children being explicitly told not to speak at all while their masks are down for a snack or meal.  The small added risk of virus spread versus supporting their social development and metal health by letting them know it's ok to talk is a no brainer in my opinion.  I have brought this to the attention of the school board and to the principal at my children's school.  I have asked them to communicate with all staff and children within the school board.  Many of them have received the incorrect guidance and information.  So far they have chosen not to do so.  The purpose of this petition is to ask that all children that have been or may have been told that they are not allowed to speak be informed that this is no longer the rule.  I am not sure how persistent this is within the board but invite you all to ask your children what the rule is in their classroom.  It may be helpful to let us know if this is happening at your school in the comment section.  Even if this rule does not exist in your child's classroom I can assure you that it does exist in multiple schools and classrooms within the board.  Even if your child is not affected directly I still hope you will take the time to sign and share this petition.  This issue was raised in the public board back in March and was in the news. I cannot post the link but just search this headline "Let kids talk during lunch, board officials tell public school teachers | CBC News".  It was made clear that the health unit did not support this type of rule for children in our classrooms.  I have presented all of this information and have let the board know that these inappropriate restrictions are still being mandated in their schools today.  However, the Board so far is not issuing any further direction to the staff and the students who may have been misinformed.  I fully understand that these are complex matters and believe that the board will do the right thing after some more consideration.  Please sign and share to support the well-being of the children in our community.  Please keep all comments civil and respectful.