The CDC recommends social distancing or masks, NOT both and certainly not all three including the plexiglass type desk shields. Something has to change for these kids.

We respect that everyone has been affected differently by this pandemic and know that some people are more at risk than others. We believe in following the guidelines of both the CDC and NYSED. We are on board with wearing a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained- on the bus, in hallways, during one on one instruction with their teachers etc. But wearing a mask all day is a recommendation and NOT a requirement. Three Village has said they will be implementing social distancing strategies as well as installing plexi glass type shields at all elementary desks. NYSED explicitly states that “Social emotional well-being must be schools’ and districts’ top priority in supporting school transitions, not at the expense of academics, but in order to create the mental, social, and emotional space for academic learning to occur.” I do not see how that is possible if young children are required to wear a mask in classrooms while having shields at desks AND being socially distanced. 

It’s important that we speak up for our little ones.  The infection rate is currently bordering 1%- well below the allowed reopening rate. Camps and daycares have been open for weeks now, many of which do not require masks. I think we can all agree that we have a million concerns about schools reopening, but I think that their emotional well-being and development as well as the ability to learn without being preoccupied with the anxiety of wearing a mask while already social distanced from their friends should be a top priority. The thought of our little ones spending all day not being able to see each other smile and trying hard to learn while feeling anxious or uncomfortable for that many hours a day is heartbreaking.

There is always power in numbers.

3vreopening@3villagecsd.org