Make Masks mandatory till a vaccine is available to school age children in East Helena Public schools

It's a no brainer.

Yes. Protect our children

So important!

I agree , but I must confess that I am not an East Helena resident

I have two kids in the East Helena district who are too young to receive the vaccine. We need to protect our kids.

I grew up in East Helena Schools and have raised my kids here, as well. I watched as one of my 227 classmates went from a perfectly healthy and happy 34 year old Veteran to being sent out of state on a ventilator to SLC and then to another hospital for ECMO. He died after six weeks of trying literally everything. That's just one example of us losing a former Tiger. That was also prior to Delta variant. A mask is something simple we can all do to help save others. Personally, I have spent the majority of my mothering trying to instill values of selfless service and helping others. I remind them every car ride to put on their seat belt and drive safely or to play nice and stay safe when they head to school. Now it's reminding them to bring their mask and stay safe. The dress codes EHPS has always enforced (and albeit sometimes over the top) was designed to keep kids free from distraction. How distracting is it trying to learn knowing "Johnny" he shares three classes with might give them COVID because he won't wear a mask knowing their mom with cancer or uncle with RA might die if they get it? Seems way more distracting than spaghetti straps. It's your job to keep our children safe. I didn't want my kids having to practice school shooting protocols but that's how it is now Masks aren't fun - but that's just how it is now.

We need to keep are children safe also still need separation 6 feet in class

It's a simple thing

Young children and their parents currently have no choice regarding vaccination. Masks should probably be mandatory for everyone inside the school building, but especially for the under-12s and all adults who interact with them. This is my professional opinion as a kindergarten teacher in the area. I'm praying my district keeps its mask policy this year.

I have children aging from 13 to a newborn in my house. 3 of them with health issues that covid could be very bad if not life threatening for them. We need to protect our kids no matter the cost. I realize that everyone has free choose but I have known 3 people that have died from it and several others(adults and kids) that have been through this virus. It is up to use adults to protect our kiddos. Also the CDC recommends that kids and adults wear masks again. They have even said all kids should wear them in school. If the CDC is recommended masks then ALL schools should follow that guideline.

I'm a student at East Helena Public schools and I'm ok with wearing a mask at school. I want to go to school.

I’ve been suffering with Long Haul Covid since last November, resulting in Restrictive and Obstructive lung disease. However, my ultimate priority is our EH kiddos…all of them! Most cannot get vaccinated and it is possible to contract it again even then vaccinated. Why are we risking even one life of a student, staff member or community member? It’s not worth it!

I work for the VA. We have medical experts advising us regarding CIVID. We must wear masks in our office buildings unless we are alone in a room. Many of us g Ave been vaccinated against COVID but for the health and safety of all we wear masks. The Delta variant is noted to be having a severe effect on young children. These are the ones who cannot receive a vaccine. It is you job to protect these children. Reinstate the mask mandate until the vaccine has been approve for all ages. So our kids can be safe. I want every child attending school in East Helena to be healthy and safe. To live and not suffer long lasting health effects from being infected.

We all agree there is a global pandemic happening right? Why in gods creation would the school board even consider putting our kids health and safety at risk, even the slightest risk? I'm extremely confused about this decision. We are Montanans we don't follow nation wide trends here, we do what we know is best for our community. So to you transplants who think you can come in here and push nationwide agendas, you have another thing coming. Forget about all the politics and news, we're talking about protecting our kiddos right here in East Helena, that's it, it's real simple. The board caved in to the parents who send their sick kids to school, I'm guessing because it was the "easy" decision? Real leaders make tough decisions, requiring masks is a tough decision, but the right decision. Be a leader and the tough decision, stand up for our Montana kids! I don't hear anyone complaining about rights and liberties when they put in stage 2 fire restrictions, gee I wonder why?

Until a vaccine is available to our young children and grandchildren, masks should definitely be mandated. Please think of the children!

Both of my children had Covid in December, and my son was hit quite hard. He ran fevers of 102 and above for 20 consecutive days. It was absolutely terrifying. Multiple tests were run and out pediatrician was in contact with Seattle Children’s Hospital. I do not want to see what covid could do to his little body, or ANY child’s little body. Please, PLEASE - I beg you. Keep masks mandatory until we have the opportunity to have our children vaccinated!!!!!

It's much more an attack on freedoms to expose other people to covid than to wear a mask. Peoples' lives > your discomfort.

My son had covid in Nov. He had breathing issues that extended into the summer months. He had no preexisting conditions. He now has an inhaler. You don't know how your body will react to covid-19. Both of my children are too young to receive the vaccine at this time. Please make masks mandatory until they are able to receive the vaccine. We want our children to attend school in person.

For the safety of my child, my family, other children, school staff members and our community.