The following is an email that was sent to the Indian River Board of Education and principals of Sussex Central and Long Neck Elementary, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I have two children in this school district, Natalie (11th) and Joey (5th). I was hesitant to put it in this email, but I believe that it is important. I know you will have to defer but, I have a couple of questions. One, most importantly, has there been a hybrid or remote-access option put in place since we don’t want the five-day mask mandate? Also, in reference to my child’s attendance. The definition of an “unexcused absence” is “An absence which does not include a parent/guardian note within the two-day time frame of the student’s return to school.” Does that mean that if my child is absent for a week, so long as it isn’t more than 10 days, and as long as I provide a note upon his return, there will be no truancy?
Though I realize that some of this is out of your hands, my child’s education is in mine. If you check with both Joey and Natalie’s previous teachers, you will see that I am quite involved with them and their teachers. I am not just a disgruntled father. I believe in my child’s education because one day those kids will lead this great country. What I don’t believe in is being told how to parent my child. I am not anti-mask by any means. If someone wants their child to wear a mask, I fully support their decision. That is their choice.
For those of us that do not want our child to wear a mask, we have no option. We have no choice. Hybrid was hastily set up last year and seemed to go off without a great deal of trouble. That would mean that this year could be set up exponentially better. To show how involved I am, I attended the BOE meeting at Central. That is something that I never did in the past because I believe that our educators do an outstanding job and I have complete trust in all involved. That is how much I care about my children’s education. Please give me, and many other parents, an option. We are all in a difficult situation, but only you have control of my children’s education and future. Have a great school year, stay well and have a great day.