From the Parents of the Cincinnati Waldorf School:

We respectfully request that the school adopt a mask optional policy for both indoor and outdoor settings during the coming year. We love our children, recognize what they need to grow, and believe that each family should determine whether wearing a mask is in the best interests of their child and family.

Our understanding of Covid-19 has improved over the past year. The CDC data now shows that Covid-19 poses an extremely low risk to our children’s safety and that asymptomatic spread is highly unlikely. The medical profession has also developed multiple successful strategies for prophylaxis and treatment. Vaccines are readily available for all adults who wish to take them. Even with the current variant, there are almost no hospitalizations for children or vaccinated adults.

In light of this, many regional school systems, both public and private, have already adopted similar, mask optional policies. (please review the list below, current as of 8/5/21)

There are many social and developmental drawbacks inherent to wearing masks, especially for young children. Children depend on facial expressions and cues to connect with each other as individuals, as well as to their teachers. Without such connections between members of the school community, education becomes less human, less effective, and less nourishing. Perhaps, at the beginning of the pandemic, such severe precautions were necessary. At this stage, with the advances in knowledge and treatment, we believe that such an imposition is needless, and that families can safely decide on the best course for themselves.

We’ve all experienced the deep inner strength the Cincinnati Waldorf School nurtures in our children. That’s why we love this school. Seeing our children grow nourishes us and inspires us to form community here. Our CWS family is an example that the strongest communities don’t come about through similarity. They come about through contrast and diversity, united by a higher vision. At the Cincinnati Waldorf School, that higher vision is the sacredness of our children and the quest to help them grow and realize themselves. We are committed to this school and its health and success on all levels. Please trust us to make wise decisions for our children, whether that means sending them to school with or without masks, and grant us the freedom to do so as individual families. We believe that this policy can be carried out safely and that it allows us to respect the diversity of each child, family, and situation. Thank you for all that you do as teachers and faculty to make this school a reality. We don’t take it for granted.

Please sign this petition if you also wish the school to adopt a mask-optional policy.

In Good Will and Solidarity,
The Parents of Cincinnati Waldorf

Mask Choice Schools:

Lakota Local School District

Lebanon City Schools

Middletown City Schools

Mason City Schools

Oak Hills School District

Reading School District

Boone County Schools

Campbell County Schools

Diocese of Covington Catholic Schools

Kenton County Schools

Grant County School District

Franklin County Community Schools

Lawrenceburg Community Schools

Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools