Our students and teachers within the Thompson School District are returning for a new school year next week and we all want to have a safe and successful year full of education, growth and in-person learning! Many of us within the community feel that this will not be possible without everyone wearing a mask to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The experts agree that universal mask wearing should be in place in all schools. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Department of Public Health and Education and the Colorado Department of Education support masks for all individuals within in our schools. These are also the recommendations from our local Larimer County Health Department. So why then is Thompson School District not requiring masks when the other school districts in our county are?

Students under 12 are not eligible to receive the COVID vaccine yet and a few individual people wearing masks isn't enough protection to keep our kids healthy. Our school board needs to change this policy so that this vulnerable population and also our teachers and staff can remain healthy, happy and most importantly physically present in school to continue the awesome task of preparing our youth for their bright futures!