As a student and/or parent at Perquimans County Public Schools, I am concerned that a comprehensive mask mandate could be harmful to our students learning and educational experience. As well as harmful to our children’s mental and physical well being.

Any child who wants to wear a mask should be free to do so. But forcing them to make personal, health and developmental sacrifices for the sake of others who have the option to wear mask is abusive. Before we order the masking of 1600 Perquimans County Students who are too young to vote and don’t have a lobby other than us parents, let’s see data showing the benefits and weigh them against the long-term harm.

If we as students, teachers, School Board members and parents, work together to

create rules which balance the safety of our children with the ability to learn and experience school in a positive way, we will see positive effects like higher student morale, proper stress management, lower depression, and increased mental and physical health. The time for change is now.

By signing this petition, your voice will be heard in support of rules at our school which align with our children’s learning, safety, and choice goals. Let’s unite to let our school district hear our voices! Let masks be optional in schools!