Masking policy Arlington Diocesan Schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I’ve directed my children to not treat any of the kids differently based on whether or not they have a mask on. I think it’s terrible any parent would encourage that behavior.
Thank you! I have done the same!

+100

Many people got COVID from other masked, vaccinated individuals. We will continue to wear masks for a few more weeks but I won’t judge those that take them off.

[Anonymous]

One report from Arizona revealed that schools in two of the state’s most populous counties were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks if they did not have a mask requirement at the start of school compared with schools that required universal masking on day one. Universal masking is an important component in the recommended layered prevention strategy for schools, and this study continues to demonstrate that facemasks when used as part of the larger strategy can reduce spread of COVID-19 and prevent outbreaks in schools.

Another report found that during the two weeks following the start of school, the average change in pediatric COVID-19 case rates was lower among counties with school mask requirements (16.32 per 100,000/day) compared with counties without school mask requirements (34.85 cases per 100,000/day). This highlights the impact that universal masking policies can have on the communities that surround these school districts, as the impact of the policies can reduce the burden on the health care systems that support these school districts.

A third report studied COVID-19-related school closures and found that despite an estimated 1,801 school closures so far this school year, 96% of public schools have been able to remain open for full in-person learning. The continued focus on providing students with a safe environment for in-person learning is one of the main priorities for CDC’s guidance, and can be best achieved by following a layered prevention strategy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One report from Arizona revealed that schools in two of the state’s most populous counties were 3.5 times more likely to have COVID-19 outbreaks if they did not have a mask requirement at the start of school compared with schools that required universal masking on day one. Universal masking is an important component in the recommended layered prevention strategy for schools, and this study continues to demonstrate that facemasks when used as part of the larger strategy can reduce spread of COVID-19 and prevent outbreaks in schools.

Another report found that during the two weeks following the start of school, the average change in pediatric COVID-19 case rates was lower among counties with school mask requirements (16.32 per 100,000/day) compared with counties without school mask requirements (34.85 cases per 100,000/day). This highlights the impact that universal masking policies can have on the communities that surround these school districts, as the impact of the policies can reduce the burden on the health care systems that support these school districts.

A third report studied COVID-19-related school closures and found that despite an estimated 1,801 school closures so far this school year, 96% of public schools have been able to remain open for full in-person learning. The continued focus on providing students with a safe environment for in-person learning is one of the main priorities for CDC’s guidance, and can be best achieved by following a layered prevention strategy.

Those exact “studies” were debunked in, of all places, The Atlantic:

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/12/mask-guidelines-cdc-walensky/621035/

It’s cherry-picked data, completely unscientific, cooked up for obvious political reasons.

[Anonymous]

Arlington and Alexandria just sued over the EO. What will the diocese do when they get confirmation that the Governor's EO violates state law and therefore isn't in effect?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve directed my children to not treat any of the kids differently based on whether or not they have a mask on. I think it’s terrible any parent would encourage that behavior.

Thank you! I have done the same!

I am one of the PP whose children have said they intend to stay away from unmasked peers. I definitely told my children not to make remarks of any kind regarding mask usage or lack thereof. However, we always remind our children to remove themselves from situations/people that seem risky, dangerous, or make them uncomfortable. I see their intent to stay away from unmasked kids (which, by the way, was their/their friends' own idea - we definitely did not suggest that) as an extension of situational awareness.

Your kids think an unmasked kid is dangerous and a kid wearing an Etsy mask is safe. Do better parenting. It’s on you. I live in Maryland so I’m watching how this goes but can’t wait to let my kids unmask. They are compliant but it clearly impacts learning and socialization. Anyone who denies costs of masking has zero credibility.

If you haven’t purchased high quality masks for your kids after 2 years, I am not really sure what to tell you. My kids have worn KN-95s all along.

My kids find them more comfortable and they stay on their face better...even for my preschooler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve directed my children to not treat any of the kids differently based on whether or not they have a mask on. I think it’s terrible any parent would encourage that behavior.

Thank you! I have done the same!

I am one of the PP whose children have said they intend to stay away from unmasked peers. I definitely told my children not to make remarks of any kind regarding mask usage or lack thereof. However, we always remind our children to remove themselves from situations/people that seem risky, dangerous, or make them uncomfortable. I see their intent to stay away from unmasked kids (which, by the way, was their/their friends' own idea - we definitely did not suggest that) as an extension of situational awareness.

Your kids think an unmasked kid is dangerous and a kid wearing an Etsy mask is safe. Do better parenting. It’s on you. I live in Maryland so I’m watching how this goes but can’t wait to let my kids unmask. They are compliant but it clearly impacts learning and socialization. Anyone who denies costs of masking has zero credibility.

That is also our experience kn95 and kf94 masks are more comfortable.

If you haven’t purchased high quality masks for your kids after 2 years, I am not really sure what to tell you. My kids have worn KN-95s all along.

My kids find them more comfortable and they stay on their face better...even for my preschooler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arlington and Alexandria just sued over the EO. What will the diocese do when they get confirmation that the Governor's EO violates state law and therefore isn't in effect?

If—if—a court rules that schools can still require masks, the decision will be appealed. And the Diocese will continue to keep its “mask optional” policy in place. Remember, that was the original Diocese plan for the 2021-22 school year. They only required masks when governor Northam forced them to.

So, sorry - the days of Etsy mask theater are not coming back to the Arlington Diocese.

Freedom is like that - once people get a taste of it, it’s harder to take it away. And there will be no different outcomes in the “mask optional” and “mask requires” schools that would justify a return to taking parents’ freedom away.

No go stew some more about all those “RWNJ” getting away with it. You know that’s what this is all about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington and Alexandria just sued over the EO. What will the diocese do when they get confirmation that the Governor's EO violates state law and therefore isn't in effect?

If—if—a court rules that schools can still require masks, the decision will be appealed. And the Diocese will continue to keep its “mask optional” policy in place. Remember, that was the original Diocese plan for the 2021-22 school year. They only required masks when governor Northam forced them to.

So, sorry - the days of Etsy mask theater are not coming back to the Arlington Diocese.

Freedom is like that - once people get a taste of it, it’s harder to take it away. And there will be no different outcomes in the “mask optional” and “mask requires” schools that would justify a return to taking parents’ freedom away.

No go stew some more about all those “RWNJ” getting away with it. You know that’s what this is all about.

This is the type of case that will be ruled upon on an expedited basis. It will be quick. We'll get to see how closely aligned the Dioceses is to the Republican party. They won't be able to hind behind the EO for long. The NOVA schools will be hurt by many disillusioned parents who will see public school as a better option and/or will stop their typical donations. I think this hurts the Nova Catholic schools more than it helps them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was ready to sign off on my 10-year-old son NOT wearing a mask but he strongly refused because he doesn't want the teachers and principal to "hate us"! Smart kid. He said he doesn't mind wearing it.

He is unvaxxed but already had covid.

So you're happy to send your unvaccinated 10-year-old to school without a mask on. What a surprise he already has gotten COVID before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington and Alexandria just sued over the EO. What will the diocese do when they get confirmation that the Governor's EO violates state law and therefore isn't in effect?

If—if—a court rules that schools can still require masks, the decision will be appealed. And the Diocese will continue to keep its “mask optional” policy in place. Remember, that was the original Diocese plan for the 2021-22 school year. They only required masks when governor Northam forced them to.

So, sorry - the days of Etsy mask theater are not coming back to the Arlington Diocese.

Freedom is like that - once people get a taste of it, it’s harder to take it away. And there will be no different outcomes in the “mask optional” and “mask requires” schools that would justify a return to taking parents’ freedom away.

No go stew some more about all those “RWNJ” getting away with it. You know that’s what this is all about.

Do you own Etsy? Are you an influencer who gets paid every time they say "Etsy"? Stop with the "Etsy" mask theater. Just like "fetch", it isn't going to happen. And it doesn't make you sound cool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington and Alexandria just sued over the EO. What will the diocese do when they get confirmation that the Governor's EO violates state law and therefore isn't in effect?

If—if—a court rules that schools can still require masks, the decision will be appealed. And the Diocese will continue to keep its “mask optional” policy in place. Remember, that was the original Diocese plan for the 2021-22 school year. They only required masks when governor Northam forced them to.

So, sorry - the days of Etsy mask theater are not coming back to the Arlington Diocese.

Freedom is like that - once people get a taste of it, it’s harder to take it away. And there will be no different outcomes in the “mask optional” and “mask requires” schools that would justify a return to taking parents’ freedom away.

No go stew some more about all those “RWNJ” getting away with it. You know that’s what this is all about.

This is the type of case that will be ruled upon on an expedited basis. It will be quick. We'll get to see how closely aligned the Dioceses is to the Republican party. They won't be able to hind behind the EO for long. The NOVA schools will be hurt by many disillusioned parents who will see public school as a better option and/or will stop their typical donations. I think this hurts the Nova Catholic schools more than it helps them.

Again, this is not a “Republican” or “Democrat” thing; it’s a parental rights question.

The Arlington Diocese already has issued plans for a MASK OPTIONAL 2021-22 school year back in August. It wasn’t a “Republican” thing then either—this was before Biden turned COVID into a political wedge issue. The only reason the Diocese ever followed a MASK MANDATE was because then-governor Northam forced them to with his August 2021 executive order.

Regardless of what happens in the court cases, one thing is clear and indisputable—Northam’s mask mandate is gone. The Arlington Diocese will go back to its original plan for the 2021-22 school year: MASKS OPTIONAL.

[Anonymous]

If your kid is not vaccinated, hasn’t had Covid in the last few months, and isn’t wearing a mask to school, you are not very bright. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was ready to sign off on my 10-year-old son NOT wearing a mask but he strongly refused because he doesn't want the teachers and principal to "hate us"! Smart kid. He said he doesn't mind wearing it.

He is unvaxxed but already had covid.

It’s sad he feels they would hate him. I would force my kid to unmask In That situation. Sounds like a hostile school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arlington and Alexandria just sued over the EO. What will the diocese do when they get confirmation that the Governor's EO violates state law and therefore isn't in effect?

If—if—a court rules that schools can still require masks, the decision will be appealed. And the Diocese will continue to keep its “mask optional” policy in place. Remember, that was the original Diocese plan for the 2021-22 school year. They only required masks when governor Northam forced them to.

So, sorry - the days of Etsy mask theater are not coming back to the Arlington Diocese.

Freedom is like that - once people get a taste of it, it’s harder to take it away. And there will be no different outcomes in the “mask optional” and “mask requires” schools that would justify a return to taking parents’ freedom away.

No go stew some more about all those “RWNJ” getting away with it. You know that’s what this is all about.

This is the type of case that will be ruled upon on an expedited basis. It will be quick. We'll get to see how closely aligned the Dioceses is to the Republican party. They won't be able to hind behind the EO for long. The NOVA schools will be hurt by many disillusioned parents who will see public school as a better option and/or will stop their typical donations. I think this hurts the Nova Catholic schools more than it helps them.

Again, this is not a “Republican” or “Democrat” thing; it’s a parental rights question.

The Arlington Diocese already has issued plans for a MASK OPTIONAL 2021-22 school year back in August. It wasn’t a “Republican” thing then either—this was before Biden turned COVID into a political wedge issue. The only reason the Diocese ever followed a MASK MANDATE was because then-governor Northam forced them to with his August 2021 executive order.

Regardless of what happens in the court cases, one thing is clear and indisputable—Northam’s mask mandate is gone. The Arlington Diocese will go back to its original plan for the 2021-22 school year: MASKS OPTIONAL.

Masks sadly became charged from medical to political during the last administration when the then president of the United States refused to wear on and not follow the recommendations of those working for/with him that are more educated on this topic. After that it became political. If he had embraced doing the right thing it would be a non issue right now.

[Anonymous]

Why are people in this thread saying masks don’t work when the studies show otherwise? University of Michigan examined masking in schools and found spread was 62% higher in schools without masks.

https://www.abc12.com/coronavirus/university-of-michigan-study-shows-mask-mandates-at-schools-show-lower-covid-transmission-rates/article_9dfcd525-94d5-50cb-9b00-ac1c2171d7fe.html