DCPS: Masks Optional the rest of the year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

OMG. I might lose my mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

OMG. I might lose my mind.

It's completely crazy that parents should be able to impose a mask mandate on other people's kids, in contradiction to CDC and local health guidance. Really crazy. But I know lots of people fancy themselves public health experts these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

You’re dealing with people who are immensely stupid, not serious, unscientific and borderline insane. Why would you kowtow to peer pressure from them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

Ha. I wish. Not the PP you are responding to, but likely at the same school as them (or at least a school making similar decisions). These are parents who are absolutely saying "we demand everyone in the class keep masking," and the school seems to be willing to keep that as the rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

Ha. I wish. Not the PP you are responding to, but likely at the same school as them (or at least a school making similar decisions). These are parents who are absolutely saying "we demand everyone in the class keep masking," and the school seems to be willing to keep that as the rule.

Oh yeah I'd just refuse. I realize there are peer influences that have impact on our kids, so I'm highly sympathetic here to your plight. But my kid has been so thrilled at the prospect of not having to wear a mask, that I'm not denying her that just for the anti-science ninnies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

Ha. I wish. Not the PP you are responding to, but likely at the same school as them (or at least a school making similar decisions). These are parents who are absolutely saying "we demand everyone in the class keep masking," and the school seems to be willing to keep that as the rule.

Oh yeah I'd just refuse. I realize there are peer influences that have impact on our kids, so I'm highly sympathetic here to your plight. But my kid has been so thrilled at the prospect of not having to wear a mask, that I'm not denying her that just for the anti-science ninnies.

NP. I think the PP is talking about a charter, not a DCPS. Charters make their own rules, and they may do so in response to parent pressure. So you can't "just refuse", unless you are comfortable having your child ignore official school rules.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

You’re dealing with people who are immensely stupid, not serious, unscientific and borderline insane. Why would you kowtow to peer pressure from them?

This. I’d move on with the unmasking. Eventually everyone will unmask so it’s not like you’re doing something they won’t eventually do. I initially felt this way and decided to simply stop masking. It’s pretty clear the people running around in cloth masks have some sort of problem and I don’t want to be associated with them. If anything I’d be careful becoming associated as someone who kept up the COVID theatre at the detriment of our kids. I can already tell a lot of the rabid covid people feel silly and it’s only going to get worse for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

Ha. I wish. Not the PP you are responding to, but likely at the same school as them (or at least a school making similar decisions). These are parents who are absolutely saying "we demand everyone in the class keep masking," and the school seems to be willing to keep that as the rule.

Oh yeah I'd just refuse. I realize there are peer influences that have impact on our kids, so I'm highly sympathetic here to your plight. But my kid has been so thrilled at the prospect of not having to wear a mask, that I'm not denying her that just for the anti-science ninnies.

NP. I think the PP is talking about a charter, not a DCPS. Charters make their own rules, and they may do so in response to parent pressure. So you can't "just refuse", unless you are comfortable having your child ignore official school rules.

But it's still unclear as to whether this is "school rules" or if this is just peer pressure (or if it is a charter or DCPS). Seriously did the school say "oh we'll take a vote for each class and you have to do whatever the majority wants, regardless of your kid's individual needs"? Because if we are doing public health by majority rules, that seems dumb and problematic for the future (cough cough vaccines cough cough).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

To clarify, this is parents saying "we individually will keep masks" but is not "we demand everyone in the class to keep masking", right? So you are responding to peer pressure or what? Surely the school didn't say "oh you have to follow what these other parents want", right?

Ha. I wish. Not the PP you are responding to, but likely at the same school as them (or at least a school making similar decisions). These are parents who are absolutely saying "we demand everyone in the class keep masking," and the school seems to be willing to keep that as the rule.

Oh yeah I'd just refuse. I realize there are peer influences that have impact on our kids, so I'm highly sympathetic here to your plight. But my kid has been so thrilled at the prospect of not having to wear a mask, that I'm not denying her that just for the anti-science ninnies.

NP. I think the PP is talking about a charter, not a DCPS. Charters make their own rules, and they may do so in response to parent pressure. So you can't "just refuse", unless you are comfortable having your child ignore official school rules.

But it's still unclear as to whether this is "school rules" or if this is just peer pressure (or if it is a charter or DCPS). Seriously did the school say "oh we'll take a vote for each class and you have to do whatever the majority wants, regardless of your kid's individual needs"? Because if we are doing public health by majority rules, that seems dumb and problematic for the future (cough cough vaccines cough cough).

Yeah this makes a huge difference. PPs what school(s) are these? What grades?

[Anonymous]

My daughter said her teacher said they weren't going to be mask optional because kids are getting sick. I think I am probably missing some part of this explanation from my young child. Also this is in a dual language class where my child understands the language very well and most kids don't so maybe she was just talking forgetting kids would hear... We will see what happens tomorrow. I am more of the slow fade with the mask even though my child says she wants to take it off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter said her teacher said they weren't going to be mask optional because kids are getting sick. I think I am probably missing some part of this explanation from my young child. Also this is in a dual language class where my child understands the language very well and most kids don't so maybe she was just talking forgetting kids would hear... We will see what happens tomorrow. I am more of the slow fade with the mask even though my child says she wants to take it off.

Adults really need to stop scaring kids about this virus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter said her teacher said they weren't going to be mask optional because kids are getting sick. I think I am probably missing some part of this explanation from my young child. Also this is in a dual language class where my child understands the language very well and most kids don't so maybe she was just talking forgetting kids would hear... We will see what happens tomorrow. I am more of the slow fade with the mask even though my child says she wants to take it off.

Adults really need to stop scaring kids about this virus.

She just said she is probably missing some of the conversation and we all know small children are not the best reporters. So maybe calm down

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter said her teacher said they weren't going to be mask optional because kids are getting sick. I think I am probably missing some part of this explanation from my young child. Also this is in a dual language class where my child understands the language very well and most kids don't so maybe she was just talking forgetting kids would hear... We will see what happens tomorrow. I am more of the slow fade with the mask even though my child says she wants to take it off.

Adults really need to stop scaring kids about this virus.

My daughter, at a Title I DCPS, told me her aftercare provider told her she doesn't think the rule should change tomorrow. My daughter is still excited to take her mask off tomorrow (and pointed out that the aftercare teacher regularly removes her mask to yell at kids...ugh), but is worried her aftercare teacher will be mad at her if she does. Really hope the school is messaging to staff, including aftercare providers, that there is to be no retaliation or shaming regardless of a child's choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So excited for Wednesday!! No more masks!!!

Funny though it's just in time for spring allergies.

Looks like my school is going to keep masking, by parent demand. And we're stuck because no way am I going to discourage my kid from masking when they will be the only one and labeled by other people's family's as irresponsible.

I found out today that most parents in my kids class don't even want them to remove masks outside. I am starting to feel crazy. In two years of Covid, all evidence indicates that Covid does not spread outside except in packed, confined spaces (which recess is not). I understand the fear about unmasking indoors a little better, but I'm still amazed that apparently we are the only family in class that has some concerns about masking very young kids for so long. The kids are trying to learn to read, and still just figuring out social cues and interactions.

Given what a minority we are in this situation, I don't see what fighting it will do beyond make our family a target for criticism and ostracize our kid. So we're going to go along with it. But it's not right. I can't believe we're at this point.

How do you know this? Parent list serve?

PP here. The teacher initiated a group text to poll families on what they were thinking. Of the families that responded (about 80%), we were the only family interested in at least some maskless time. Every other family has asked that their kid stay masked inside and out.

It had not occurred to me until this that of course other family’s choices impact us. If it were more half and half maybe my kid would feel comfortable removing their mask. But it’s not. We’re just stuck with majority rule in this case. I don’t want to be the outlier family.

This is a DCPS and while I don’t know vax rate at the school, we are in a pretty high vax area. I was really surprised by this.