Masks are now a big debate happening in school districts across Greater Cincinnati as the new school year quickly approaches.Some parents in Mason, and even doctors, are pushing the district to require them.A mother we talked with said mask-wearing is a collective effort.She said that means everyone should be wearing masks in Mason City Schools this year."Everyone, K-12 in the building, should be wearing masks," parent, Joy Bennett, said.That's the standard Bennett wants to see in Mason City Schools.Two of her children will return to the classroom soon, but she fears COVID-19 could make it rough, especially for young students who can't get a shot."How do we reduce excessive and prolonged quarantines? How do we keep our kids healthy and able to attend? That's why I think that masking needs to be one of our layers," Bennett said.The mask debate prompted 108 physicians who live in the Mason School District to pen a letter urging leaders to require masks for children and staff."There's a lot of things that we agree upon and that is the importance of safety for our kids. We agree that the masks help us with that and that's why we're strongly recommending that to all of our families," Mason City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Cooper said.Cooper said they are following data and science and not requiring masks now."We are looking at how many cases do we have? Just like we did last year. We are looking at the transmission rates around here. How quick is it passing through our community?" Cooper said.He also said distancing, barriers, handwashing and cleaning will continue.On the flip side, some parents have started petitions to keep masks optional.We found one for Forest Hills Schools.Districts including Lakota Local Schools and Hamilton City Schools are not requiring masks, leaving it up to families.Bennett said the schools have the power.She wants to see them take action."It's really uncomfortable to have to wear something on your face, but I would just ask people to consider that we are a community," Bennett said.Mason City School officials said more than 95 percent of its staff have been vaccinated.The superintendent also said any changes are possible with compelling data.School is set to start in the district next Thursday.At a special public meeting on Wednesday at 5 p.m., Cincinnati Public School board members are also expected to discuss its policy on mask-wearing in the district.
Masks are now a big debate happening in school districts across Greater Cincinnati as the new school year quickly approaches.
Some parents in Mason, and even doctors, are pushing the district to require them.
A mother we talked with said mask-wearing is a collective effort.
She said that means everyone should be wearing masks in Mason City Schools this year.
"Everyone, K-12 in the building, should be wearing masks," parent, Joy Bennett, said.
That's the standard Bennett wants to see in Mason City Schools.
Two of her children will return to the classroom soon, but she fears COVID-19 could make it rough, especially for young students who can't get a shot.
"How do we reduce excessive and prolonged quarantines? How do we keep our kids healthy and able to attend? That's why I think that masking needs to be one of our layers," Bennett said.
The mask debate prompted 108 physicians who live in the Mason School District to pen a letter urging leaders to require masks for children and staff.
"There's a lot of things that we agree upon and that is the importance of safety for our kids. We agree that the masks help us with that and that's why we're strongly recommending that to all of our families," Mason City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Cooper said.
Cooper said they are following data and science and not requiring masks now.
"We are looking at how many cases do we have? Just like we did last year. We are looking at the transmission rates around here. How quick is it passing through our community?" Cooper said.
He also said distancing, barriers, handwashing and cleaning will continue.
On the flip side, some parents have started petitions to keep masks optional.
We found one for Forest Hills Schools.
Districts including Lakota Local Schools and Hamilton City Schools are not requiring masks, leaving it up to families.
Bennett said the schools have the power.
She wants to see them take action.
"It's really uncomfortable to have to wear something on your face, but I would just ask people to consider that we are a community," Bennett said.
Mason City School officials said more than 95 percent of its staff have been vaccinated.
The superintendent also said any changes are possible with compelling data.
School is set to start in the district next Thursday.
At a special public meeting on Wednesday at 5 p.m., Cincinnati Public School board members are also expected to discuss its policy on mask-wearing in the district.
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