Parents,
Because of the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in our community and my desire to do all we can to protect staff and students, I have asked that they wear masks at recess until further notice. My reasons are:
Dr. Holmes told us masks are not required outside IF SIX FEET OF SOCIAL DISTANCING can be maintained. This is very difficult during a time when they are playing. I have watched at several recesses, I have been on recess duty every day since school started, and this is not happening. Children naturally want to play together and are constantly within six feet of each other.
One of the exposures we had occurred outside during recess when masks were not on, before we knew the person was positive. If both people had been wearing masks, the chance of passing the virus on would have been lessened.
We have teachers with compromised immune systems. Having masks on helps protect them some when children are running up to them at recess, or when they are helping children and have to be within six feet.
We have been wearing masks during after school because there are several different grades out there at the same time. Wearing masks at recess in after school has not been an issue.
I am sorry that we had to take this additional step for the safety of our students and staff. Please know that I am doing my best to help protect everyone while at the same time keeping the school as normal as possible. On a good note, teachers feel much less stressed about kids being in each others' space for short periods of time when they have masks on.
Hopefully, things will turn around soon and we can lessen restrictions. For now, I am asking that you support this small request for the sake of our students and staff.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
God Bless -
Christina L. Whitehair
Principal/Preschool Teacher
St. Andrew's Elementary School
301 S. Buckeye Ave.
Abilene. KS 67410
785-263-2453
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