This was Tomball ISD‘s first week of “on-campus” face to face learning

We would like to take the time to thank all Tomball ISD staff for their commitment to providing our students with the information, guidance and tools deemed necessary in order to begin the 2020-2021 academic school year.

Parents and students alike are excited about Tomball ISD reopening. Many of us chose “on-campus” learning for our students because in person classroom instruction has the added benefit for many students of interpersonal interaction between the student and the teacher and the student and peers. Teachers are able to more actively participate in student learning, provide feedback as students encounter challenges and promote active learning among students. Special education students usually require in class support and by choosing “on-campus” learning we agree that the academic, mental and physical benefits of in-person learning outweigh the risks.

We recognize the importance of ensuring the general welfare and protecting the health of the community. Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities and play a critical role in supporting the whole child, not just their academic achievement.

Governor Greg Abbott recently stated that local school districts have the discretion over when and how to begin the 2020-2021 school year. And, in his executive orders he states:

'Every person in Texas shall wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household; provided, however, that this face-covering requirement does not apply to the following:

1. any person younger than 10 years of age;

2. any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering;

3. any person while the person is consuming food or drink, or is seated at a restaurant to eat or drink;

4. any person while the person is (a) exercising outdoors or engaging in physical activity outdoors, and (b) maintaining a safe distance from other people not in the same household;'

The children under 10 are not at risk & are not spreaders of Covid. In addition, it is 95 degrees outside. How are these kids supposed to play with a mask on in that heat?

We believe Tomball ISD should implement a waiver of choice. This waiver would give parents and caregivers the opportunity to make a sound decision with their students and families allowing them to choose whether or not wearing a mask for the duration of each school day is a good choice for them.

When we reach our goal this petition will be presented to the superintendent of Tomball ISD, the Texas education agency and Governor Greg Abbott.

End of petition.