To whom it may concern,

As everyone knows, the past 8 months have been extremely hard on everyone. In so many ways, we have all been affected by this pandemic. School became virtual and we were not able to hang out with our friends. It has been too long since we have been able to give our grandparents and extended families something as simple as a hug. Going into our 8th grade year, we knew things would still not be the same. Thank G-D, we are able to be on the Hillel campus thanks to all of you who have worked tirelessly to make that happen. However, there are still so many aspects of 8th grade that we don’t have.

As a student moves through the grades at Katz Hillel Day School, they all look forward to being seniors. One of the things so many students look forward to is leading our Hillel Lions sports teams onto the field, court or baseball diamond. We understand and respect that due to social distancing guidelines, we can’t hang out in our middle school lounge- chilling on the couches or playing ping pong. We respect and try to follow all of the rules the school has set to keep us as safe as possible. Currently in Palm Beach County, there are multiple team sports happening. I9 is taking place and there are multiple baseball, basketball and football leagues. However, none of these programs even come close to the amazing feeling of playing for our school team and wearing the LIONS JERSEY with pride.

As parents and students of the current 8th grade class, we implore the task force to take everything into consideration, both the medical ramifications and emotional consequences of our children, and reinstate team sports. We understand there are many things that go into this decision, and we would like to be a part of the conversations leading to the final outcome.

While team sports are essential to a child's physical well being, and the ability to connect with friends, we understand there are other ways the school can provide these things as well. We request the school reinstate socially distanced clubs. There are sports like baseball and archery, as well as non-physical activities such as chesed and that can still be taking place. We have found that the students have too much time on their hands after school, and we want that time being put to good use.

Thank you,

8th Grade Parents and Students