Peer Masking as a Reasonable Accommodation

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

School-age kids can do lots of things. That doesn't mean that they should, nor should they be asked to.

Yes they should. You show them by example.

Pass on the forced masking. You can teach your kids that not all demands are reasonable and it's the right thing to do to not make unreasonable demands of others and only thinking of yourself when there is a classroom of children that may have their own issues and reasons that making doesn't work for.

It's very reasonable to show your support for someone who may not be as fortunate as you. Maybe you should keep your kids home if you cannot be a part of living in a community with others who may not have the same needs as you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

And by "healthier" do you mean an overwhelming surge of RSV and the flu, so much so that hospitals told families not to bring their kids in?

Healthier as in we aren't getting the colds and flu's like we did in the past before covid... Our doctor office will not see us when we are sick and told to go to the ER. ER says they cannot help and sends you back to primary care or a speciality clinic where if you are lucky you can get an appointment within 6-12 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

You didn’t answer anything remotely similar to the pp’s question. What possible condition is there that a child could have that would be acceptably safe in a masked classroom (recognizing the practical limits on mask compliance), but unsafe in a voluntary masking classroom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

Once again for people who do not understand how illness works. Often peak contagiousness is *before* symptoms occur and many lingering symptoms are not contagious. People can do their best not to send a sick kid to school … and illness will still spread. Schools will never be a sterile environment. You’re living in la la land. And yeah, my kids are doing indoor play dates, sleepovers, air travel, play places, etc. We’ve accepted the risk of illness because that is just life. You can (and probably should) opt out of things like this with a medically fragile kid. But if you send your child to school, you should know that like 95% of families are back to all this normal stuff. Are you suggesting that kids should now also be giving up activities outside of school that could bring germs into a classroom? Like should the entire world now revolve around your family because a sick kid* might end up at school.

*By sick I mean pre-symptoms, asymptomatic, or they could come down with symptoms mid-day they didn’t have when they left for school. Of course it’s selfish to send a fever-ish, clearly sick child to school. But viruses spread even without parents sending their blatantly sick kid to school.

A little common sense goes a long way. It is very selfish to send your sick child to school but you simply don't care. Yes, we keep our sick kids home. We don't send our kids to in person school because of the risk they may bring something home from your family to another family member. Things are surging right now. The risks you take impact others. The issue isn't a medically fragile child, but another family member. You seem to forget kids don't live along and live in a home with others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

You didn’t answer anything remotely similar to the pp’s question. What possible condition is there that a child could have that would be acceptably safe in a masked classroom (recognizing the practical limits on mask compliance), but unsafe in a voluntary masking classroom?

Lots of conditions from asthma to cancer. Or, child could live with a parent or family member who is voluble. The health issues in our home are none of your business. Why do you care? Would it change things? Would you be more cautious knowing your child's classmate has a parent who is vulnerable. Of course not. You don't care. Hopefully it will never happen to your family member as no one will care if it does, just like you don't care now.

We cannot send our kids in person because of people here refusing the most basic precautions. Funny how others scream mental health but have zero actual concern for the kids where covid, colds and flu still actually impacts them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

And by "healthier" do you mean an overwhelming surge of RSV and the flu, so much so that hospitals told families not to bring their kids in?

Healthier as in we aren't getting the colds and flu's like we did in the past before covid... Our doctor office will not see us when we are sick and told to go to the ER. ER says they cannot help and sends you back to primary care or a speciality clinic where if you are lucky you can get an appointment within 6-12 weeks.

I’m not sure why you’d go to the doctor for a virus. There’s not much they can do that you can’t do on your own. But if your pediatrician really refuses to see sick kids (as opposed to simply expecting you to wait until there’s something more than just a typical viral infection going on), then you really need a new pediatrician. That’s not normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

You didn’t answer anything remotely similar to the pp’s question. What possible condition is there that a child could have that would be acceptably safe in a masked classroom (recognizing the practical limits on mask compliance), but unsafe in a voluntary masking classroom?

Lots of conditions from asthma to cancer. Or, child could live with a parent or family member who is voluble. The health issues in our home are none of your business. Why do you care? Would it change things? Would you be more cautious knowing your child's classmate has a parent who is vulnerable. Of course not. You don't care. Hopefully it will never happen to your family member as no one will care if it does, just like you don't care now.

We cannot send our kids in person because of people here refusing the most basic precautions. Funny how others scream mental health but have zero actual concern for the kids where covid, colds and flu still actually impacts them.

There’s a difference between wanting something and needing something. You might prefer to send a child to school where everyone is wearing masks, but there’s no situation where someone would rationally send their child to school only if everyone else is masking. The efficacy simply isn’t that high. Masks would not prevent someone from getting Covid over an extended period of time— at most it might slightly reduce the frequency of infections. But even that is far from clear, particularly given the results of RCTs investigating masking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

You didn’t answer anything remotely similar to the pp’s question. What possible condition is there that a child could have that would be acceptably safe in a masked classroom (recognizing the practical limits on mask compliance), but unsafe in a voluntary masking classroom?

Lots of conditions from asthma to cancer. Or, child could live with a parent or family member who is voluble. The health issues in our home are none of your business. Why do you care? Would it change things? Would you be more cautious knowing your child's classmate has a parent who is vulnerable. Of course not. You don't care. Hopefully it will never happen to your family member as no one will care if it does, just like you don't care now.

We cannot send our kids in person because of people here refusing the most basic precautions. Funny how others scream mental health but have zero actual concern for the kids where covid, colds and flu still actually impacts them.

There’s a difference between wanting something and needing something. You might prefer to send a child to school where everyone is wearing masks, but there’s no situation where someone would rationally send their child to school only if everyone else is masking. The efficacy simply isn’t that high. Masks would not prevent someone from getting Covid over an extended period of time— at most it might slightly reduce the frequency of infections. But even that is far from clear, particularly given the results of RCTs investigating masking.

Look at the masking studies. They absolutely make a difference as does regular school cleanings. I would only send our kids to a school where everyone is masking and a smaller school, not the huge 1-4K students. But, we don't have the privilege to send our kids to in person school right now because of attitudes like yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

And by "healthier" do you mean an overwhelming surge of RSV and the flu, so much so that hospitals told families not to bring their kids in?

Healthier as in we aren't getting the colds and flu's like we did in the past before covid... Our doctor office will not see us when we are sick and told to go to the ER. ER says they cannot help and sends you back to primary care or a speciality clinic where if you are lucky you can get an appointment within 6-12 weeks.

I’m not sure why you’d go to the doctor for a virus. There’s not much they can do that you can’t do on your own. But if your pediatrician really refuses to see sick kids (as opposed to simply expecting you to wait until there’s something more than just a typical viral infection going on), then you really need a new pediatrician. That’s not normal.

Why would I go, because it always turns into an infection and something very serious and I have breathing issues! We don't have the luxury of doctor choice. You go to the assigned clinic when they can see you to who ever has an opening (often an unlicensed doctor or intern or you go to the ER. Or, you can private pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn’t read all the comments, so maybe this has been discussed. I think it would be reasonable BUT it would open a whole can of worms for parents to ask for accommodations that require actions by other peers in school, which is something we just can’t do. School administrators are constantly having to deny reasonable requests by reasonable parents because they’d be opening themselves up to unreasonable requests from unreasonable parents. Over my years in special education I’ve had parents want accommodations requiring other students to sit with their children at lunch, to not sing Happy Birthday, to not speak a foreign language, to not bring foods the child is not allowed to school ( not allergy related), and so, so much more. And these are not parents you can explain things to. And this is not even mentioning the unreasonable parents who would be upset that their child had to mask.

Schools have to field requests for accommodations all the time, some are off the wall and some are very needed. There's a process for it. But you are legally wrong that schools can't require actions by other peers in school.

By your logic we should get rid of all disability laws cuz they open up a can of worms.

I can’t think of any other accomodation that requires every kid to wear something/do something.

Well it sounds like you are not a lawyer.

I am a lawyer and I am very interested to hear what accomodation requires other people to wear something they haven’t chosen on their bodies. Because if it can happen in schools it could happen in the workplace.

Are you a disability lawyer? If so, you should already know this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

You didn’t answer anything remotely similar to the pp’s question. What possible condition is there that a child could have that would be acceptably safe in a masked classroom (recognizing the practical limits on mask compliance), but unsafe in a voluntary masking classroom?

Lots of conditions from asthma to cancer. Or, child could live with a parent or family member who is voluble. The health issues in our home are none of your business. Why do you care? Would it change things? Would you be more cautious knowing your child's classmate has a parent who is vulnerable. Of course not. You don't care. Hopefully it will never happen to your family member as no one will care if it does, just like you don't care now.

We cannot send our kids in person because of people here refusing the most basic precautions. Funny how others scream mental health but have zero actual concern for the kids where covid, colds and flu still actually impacts them.

There’s a difference between wanting something and needing something. You might prefer to send a child to school where everyone is wearing masks, but there’s no situation where someone would rationally send their child to school only if everyone else is masking. The efficacy simply isn’t that high. Masks would not prevent someone from getting Covid over an extended period of time— at most it might slightly reduce the frequency of infections. But even that is far from clear, particularly given the results of RCTs investigating masking.

Look at the masking studies. They absolutely make a difference as does regular school cleanings. I would only send our kids to a school where everyone is masking and a smaller school, not the huge 1-4K students. But, we don't have the privilege to send our kids to in person school right now because of attitudes like yours.

Did you send your kids to school when masks were required?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

And by "healthier" do you mean an overwhelming surge of RSV and the flu, so much so that hospitals told families not to bring their kids in?

Healthier as in we aren't getting the colds and flu's like we did in the past before covid... Our doctor office will not see us when we are sick and told to go to the ER. ER says they cannot help and sends you back to primary care or a speciality clinic where if you are lucky you can get an appointment within 6-12 weeks.

I’m not sure why you’d go to the doctor for a virus. There’s not much they can do that you can’t do on your own. But if your pediatrician really refuses to see sick kids (as opposed to simply expecting you to wait until there’s something more than just a typical viral infection going on), then you really need a new pediatrician. That’s not normal.

Why would I go, because it always turns into an infection and something very serious and I have breathing issues! We don't have the luxury of doctor choice. You go to the assigned clinic when they can see you to who ever has an opening (often an unlicensed doctor or intern or you go to the ER. Or, you can private pay.

If the ER isn’t doing anything either, then it doesn’t sound very serious.

Further, what insurance do you have that doesn’t let you pick your PCP within their network? And where are you going that is having you see “unlicensed doctors”?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I didn’t read all the comments, so maybe this has been discussed. I think it would be reasonable BUT it would open a whole can of worms for parents to ask for accommodations that require actions by other peers in school, which is something we just can’t do. School administrators are constantly having to deny reasonable requests by reasonable parents because they’d be opening themselves up to unreasonable requests from unreasonable parents. Over my years in special education I’ve had parents want accommodations requiring other students to sit with their children at lunch, to not sing Happy Birthday, to not speak a foreign language, to not bring foods the child is not allowed to school ( not allergy related), and so, so much more. And these are not parents you can explain things to. And this is not even mentioning the unreasonable parents who would be upset that their child had to mask.

Schools have to field requests for accommodations all the time, some are off the wall and some are very needed. There's a process for it. But you are legally wrong that schools can't require actions by other peers in school.

By your logic we should get rid of all disability laws cuz they open up a can of worms.

I can’t think of any other accomodation that requires every kid to wear something/do something.

Well it sounds like you are not a lawyer.

I am a lawyer and I am very interested to hear what accomodation requires other people to wear something they haven’t chosen on their bodies. Because if it can happen in schools it could happen in the workplace.

Are you a disability lawyer? If so, you should already know this.

Please enlighten me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I didn’t read all the comments, so maybe this has been discussed. I think it would be reasonable BUT it would open a whole can of worms for parents to ask for accommodations that require actions by other peers in school, which is something we just can’t do. School administrators are constantly having to deny reasonable requests by reasonable parents because they’d be opening themselves up to unreasonable requests from unreasonable parents. Over my years in special education I’ve had parents want accommodations requiring other students to sit with their children at lunch, to not sing Happy Birthday, to not speak a foreign language, to not bring foods the child is not allowed to school ( not allergy related), and so, so much more. And these are not parents you can explain things to. And this is not even mentioning the unreasonable parents who would be upset that their child had to mask.

Schools have to field requests for accommodations all the time, some are off the wall and some are very needed. There's a process for it. But you are legally wrong that schools can't require actions by other peers in school.

By your logic we should get rid of all disability laws cuz they open up a can of worms.

I can’t think of any other accomodation that requires every kid to wear something/do something.

Well it sounds like you are not a lawyer.

I am a lawyer and I am very interested to hear what accomodation requires other people to wear something they haven’t chosen on their bodies. Because if it can happen in schools it could happen in the workplace.

Are you a disability lawyer? If so, you should already know this.

Please enlighten me.

+1 Enlighten me too. I know of accomodations where people are asked to refrain from something, like wearing perfume or eating peanuts. I don't know of any other accommodation that requires a peer to take an action.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I simply don't get it. School-aged kids can mask. Teaching them community responsibility is a good thing. Teaching them to care about other students, their families and staff is a good thing. If a child has SN and cannot wear one, it's one thing but given how many viruses are going around right now, it makes sense. It's funny how the same parents screaming about learning loss when kids get sick are the same refusing masks and wanting accommodations for their kids when they are out sick. I don't get why people enjoy being sick. We've been so much healthier by masking, only eating outdoors, etc.

My kids got much sicker during the 2021-22 school year while masking than this year so far. I think in part because they’re not constantly touching their faces to adjust their masks or pull them down. Their mental health is better. My oldest in particular had a lot of negative feelings about school after a year of virtual in K and a year of masking in 1st grade, he particularly hated masking during PE. He’s finally having his first normal year of elementary school and now loves to go. My younger kid has some sensory issues (and an IEP) and can’t wear a mask unless it’s one of those ridiculously thin athletic masks (which is what we did to check a box when masking was required so that he wouldn’t continue to lose out on needed services). So for my kids, not masking is absolutely a healthier choice. I know I’m not alone in not wanting my kids to mask. Stop trying to push the narrative that all kids can mask without issue, it’s just not true.

Maybe your kids got sicker as they were doing things outside of school not masked. That makes no sense they were sicker while masking. It sounds like you are part of the problem and what example you set and teach in your home. Perhaps you should have gotten your kids better-fitting masks. If they are having mental health issues, did you get them a therapist and make changes in your home to fix the problems at home? Sounds like there is much more to this and empathy toward others and teaching kids how to live in a community isn't a priority.

Ever think of kids like mine who have had to continue in virtual school because of kids like yours and families like yours? Perhaps your kids would have been healthier if as a community those who could, stayed home sick and everyone masked. I wish I could live in a self-centered world like you but I don't have your privilege.

Please get your kid's mental health treatment given their challenges. Unmasking isn't going to fix those things. And, get the younger child a full neuropsych as sensory issues are not a diagnosis.

What unicorn diagnosis does your child have that is significant enough to require mandating an entire classroom of children and a teacher to wear a mask all day, every day, yet isn’t so limiting to preclude your child from being in class with 25 some odd kids of variable masking adherence who probably spent their weekend out at play place birthday parties and sleepovers and traveling?

My kids are too old for play dates but no, we stopped traveling, no sleep overs or going into others homes. It’s not the child but a parent. Children has aready lost one parent, isn’t that enough? Are you going to take the kids if another parent dies?

My kids mask due to choice. My kids go to virtual school by choice. Unlike you, they get it. They can go in person time they want. But, they know people like you will send their sick kids to school and not think twice and the, bringing home something can cause serious issues in our home.

That's the key: choice. They are doing it by choice, not because everyone else is being mandated to accommodate them/their relative.