Dear Superintendent Shoaf and Rocky River School Board, 

We, the undersigned parents of Rocky River Public School children, urge you to stay strong with your decision to follow the advice of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health regarding the remote learning plan for the fall semester. There is little "overwhelming, scientific evidence" regarding school children and this virus. We are still absolutely blind to the long-term repercussions of this virus on our bodies, nor our children’s bodies. There was no evidence of the virus passing quickly among children because we sent our children home in early March to stay safe. The virus has only continued to wreak havoc across our nation, and by no means have we controlled the spread to ensure safety and a safe opening of schools.

We urge you to stay strong and follow the Board of Health’s recommendations, whether to open or to not open. 

1. We have absolutely no evidence that this virus will not pose significant threat to our children and their future health, potential lung function, rates of asthma, or even future fertility.

To claim that it’s reasonable to open schools knowing that the potential of loss of life is a staggering 244, or even 10, or even five of our beloved children of the community is horrendous and recklessly irresponsible. I am having a hard time understanding any of the justifications from other parents and the in accuracy if their facts. 

2. As the author of this petition and an educator I am not going to be in the classroom and have chosen to stay at home with my children. I know there are so many educators like me that feel the same and may be afraid to express their concern out of fear of what community members may think of them or potential job loss. It is unfair to ask all teachers to be in their classrooms, risking the safety of themselves, their families, and everyone that they come in contact with on a daily basis.

It is also unfair to compare our country with any other model from other countries. Our country is one of the only countries that has been unable to get a handle on this virus due to the inability of our citizens to follow recommendations of staying at home or wearing a mask. We cannot compare apples to oranges. Countries such as Switzerland, Sweden and France do not have “adults“ at home telling their children that they shouldn’t wear a mask or be forced to wear a mask. They have national leadership that are able to listen to the science and they have been able to better control the spread than we have. As someone who has lived in Korea for nine years and is married to a Korean, I know that you cannot compare Korea to America. Not even close. Koreans will step up and do what’s right for their country every time no matter what inconvenience it poses on them personally. Americans can be selfish and not put their country before their own personal preferences. They were able to get a complete hold on the virus before reopening the schools in late April early May. They work and operate on a completely different school year. Their year begins and ends in March not in September so they are already into their school year currently. Contact tracing in Korea is something that most Americans would never agree to, technology applied to your cell phone that tracks your every move. 

3. No one wants to close schools, it is not ideal. Not for anyone. But we must not put our children, our teachers, and all school district employees and community members at risk because remote learning wasn’t fun. It saddens me when I see people post whether they will “either go to school shopping or buy more wine“. It’s not a joke and I’m saddened by the lack of judgement of some adults in our community. 

4. We implore you to stand strong, and follow the advice of the Board of Health, whatever they decide.