We, the Concerned Citizens and Parents of the East Helena School District urge the East Helena School Board to maintain masking as optional only in East Helena Schools for the 2021-2022 School Year and oppose any vote supporting mandates to that end.

Whereas; according to the CDC no children between the ages of 0-17 have died from Covid-19 in Montana.

Whereas; according to PENN State Health News, "Social isolation during the pandemic can push youngsters with underlying mental health issues "over the edge".

Whereas; according to Penn State Health News, "suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34 in the United States."

Whereas; Governor Greg Gianforte and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen have urged our Montana superintendents and trustee's to keep masking, "optional, voluntary and a family choice."

Whereas; many of our own children have suffered greatly do to Covid-19 related mandates in the past year.

Whereas; Our East Helena Board Members must remember their oath of service to the citizens of this community and not to the CDC, Lewis & Clark Public Health or any other outside organization serving outside interests separate of the individuals in this district.