By LARRY LANNAN
Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools will take comments online, then post an in-person instruction plan, on the coming fall semester beginning in August.
School officials say once the comments and other data are in, the plan will be posted online June 24.
This is a federal requirement and all must be done within a 30-day period in order for HSE Schools to be eligible for federal money totaling just under $3 million.
According to a document on the school board agenda this past Wednesday, “HSE Schools must include in its plan specific information that addresses how it will maintain student and staff health and safety and how it will ensure continuity of services for academic and social-emotional needs, as well as how it meets CDC guidance, to the extent practicable.”
Several speakers addressed the board on this agenda item Wednesday, strongly urging the board to have mask-wearing optional in the fall semester. Some speakers criticized the board for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and for the diversity and inclusion programs.
Citizens are allowed to speak for up to two minutes on any item listed on the board’s agenda for that meeting.
Fishers One group supports optional mask wearing
Submitted
Editor’s note: The following is a press release submitted Thursday by Fishers One to the Reporter.
Fishers One is excited to support our children, personal liberties and the freedom for parents to choose what is best for their children by supporting the Make Masking OPTIONAL for HSE Schools Petition launched today [June 10].
The mask mandate was lifted in the state of Indiana in April 2021 and the governor is lifting his order for schools on June 30. It is unnecessary and not healthy to continue to require our children and school staff to wear masks at school. They should be allowed to breathe fresh air, and parents should be allowed to decide on the safety and well-being of their own children.
Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence nor studies that can confirm the effectiveness of masks.
At last night’s HSE School Board meeting the board was indecisive on the issue of masking children for the upcoming schools year, so we are speaking out.
Fishers One believes parents of HSE students should be able to perform their own risk assessment, considering all physical, mental, emotional and psychological risks and benefits when it comes to all medical decisions, including masking.
Accordingly, we call on the HSE School Board to follow Westfield Washington Schools and proactively communicate masks as OPTIONAL for all HSE schools for the upcoming school year.
Fishers One encourages every member of the Fishers community to sign the petition and make your voice heard on this very important issue. A link to the petition can also be found on our Facebook page at facebook.com/FishersOne.
Fishers One is a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to restoring academic excellence in our schools, maintaining Fishers as a great place to live, and cultivating the next generations of community leaders. You can learn more about Fishers One and how to get involved at fishersone.org and our Facebook page at facebook.com/FishersOne.