Request Your School District to Adhere to AAP and CDC Guidelines — Templates to Assist You

As schools prepare to reopen in the coming weeks, many parents are understandably anxious—some even fearful. The Delta variant has led to a surge in COVID cases, particularly affecting unvaccinated individuals, including children. Alarmingly, more children are currently hospitalized with COVID than at any other point during the pandemic.

The thought of sending our children back to school during a pandemic is daunting, especially as many districts appear to be rolling back crucial safety measures, such as mask mandates and social distancing. Some districts are adopting a “mask optional” policy, allowing parents to choose whether their children wear masks at school. While this may seem like a reasonable compromise, it contradicts the recommendations from both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which advocate for universal masking for all students, teachers, and staff—regardless of vaccination status.

In some areas, such as Florida, certain school districts face restrictions against enforcing mask mandates. Despite ongoing COVID outbreaks, Governor Ron DeSantis has threatened to withdraw funding from any district that requires masks. However, there is still hope. Even in challenging environments like Florida, some districts are standing up against these restrictions in the name of public health. Similar actions are being taken in Texas and Arizona, where mask mandates are also banned.

It’s crucial for parents and community members to express their concerns regarding these developments, even in places where it may seem futile.

Make Your Voice Heard!

If your district lacks a mask requirement or has removed other essential COVID safety measures, you may feel powerless. You want your child to attend school, but safety is a priority.

You can take action by emailing your school district to urge them to follow CDC and AAP guidelines. Additionally, consider starting a petition through platforms like Change.org to advocate for updated health protocols.

If you’re unsure how to articulate your concerns, we’ve provided some sample letters for you to customize and use.

Sample Letter 1: From a Health Professional

I recently connected with a parent from Long Island, NY, who is also a physician. She shared a petition she created, which I have adapted for your use:

I strongly urge [insert school district name] to implement universal indoor masking for students this upcoming year, in accordance with the latest guidance from the CDC and AAP. Given the current outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant, outdoor masking in school settings would also be advisable.

Until all school-aged children have access to COVID-19 vaccinations, protecting them remains paramount. Vaccinated individuals can still contract and spread COVID-19, which poses a risk to those who are unvaccinated. While the risk of severe illness is lower for children, many are experiencing long-term symptoms from the virus.

Moreover, a remote learning option should be maintained at least until children under 12 can be vaccinated. We hope that vaccination becomes available for all children soon, but until then, masking is essential for their safety.

Sample Letter 2: From a Concerned Parent

As a concerned parent, I’ve written letters and petitions urging my district to maintain COVID safety measures. Here’s a version of a letter I sent that you can adapt:

I wish to express my support for keeping the mask requirement in our schools. I anticipate that many will contact you about this topic, particularly those advocating for unmasking children.

With the Delta variant’s high transmission rate, eliminating mask mandates indoors could lead to significant outbreaks. Just one infected child could potentially spread the virus to an entire classroom, especially in elementary schools where vaccinations are not yet available.

Both the CDC and the AAP currently recommend masks for unvaccinated children in schools, given the ongoing pandemic. While it’s true that children have a lower risk of severe illness, data from the CDC indicates that a substantial number of adolescents hospitalized with COVID last spring required intensive care.

Last school year demonstrated that children could safely attend school during the pandemic, thanks to mask-wearing. If we transition to a mask-optional environment, particularly for those under 12, we jeopardize the safety measures we’ve worked hard to maintain.

Thank you for considering my perspective.

Equip Yourself with Knowledge

As you communicate with your district, ensure your arguments are evidence-based and supported by scientific data. Infuse your message with personal passion, as these decisions impact our children. The sample letters above contain links to studies and articles that support their claims, including vital resources from the CDC and AAP that emphasize the necessity for universal mask use this school year.

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You Are Not Alone

Many parents share your concerns about the decisions being made at school districts and boards. If your district is eliminating COVID safety protocols, it’s completely valid to feel frustrated and to advocate for change. Every child deserves a safe educational environment, so don’t hesitate to write letters, start petitions, and unite with other concerned parents.

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Summary

As schools reopen, parents are concerned about the rollback of COVID safety measures. Many districts are opting for mask-optional policies, which contradict the CDC and AAP recommendations. Parents are encouraged to voice their concerns through emails and petitions. Sample letters are provided for those unsure how to articulate their arguments. It is essential to back up claims with evidence and to convey personal passion in advocacy efforts.