Please uphold the state mandate requiring masks in all public school buildings. 
We believe that following the mandate will reduce the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19 in our school buildings, and reduce the spread within our community. Optional masking is ineffective, as both the infected individuals AND the other students and staff need to be wearing them. 
Parents of students wishing to protect their children and families may be forced to pull their children from brick and mortar as cases rise if they are not protected. 
Community members without children in school will still face the increase of community spread if the school board allows the disregard of the mandate. 
Please sign this petition if you are in support of upholding the states mask mandate in Tulpehocken Area School District.