On September 3rd, 2021, Charlotte County School Board made the disheartening decision to not mandate masks and only "strongly recommending them." This recommendation is not effective whatsoever as students are simply not listening. Students are coming to school exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or even stating that they have tested positive. No one is stopping them as students are not being sent to the nurse, which is the protocol teachers are supposed to be following. Some extracurricular leaders are even asking that their pupils do not go to doctor because they want to keep them "involved in the group activities."  30+ children are being packed into tiny classrooms making social distancing impossible. Teachers are out sick for two weeks at a time, making learning almost impossible. At Lemon Bay High, we've already had a teacher be hospitalized. The vaccine also is not available for most Charlotte County students as they are ineligible due to their age.  A mask may be their only protection. We've already lost a Charlotte County student to COVID-19. Hospitalizations are also on the increase. Decreasing transmission is essential to keeping ICU bed opens. Masks have been proven over and over to decrease COVID-19 spread. And they are most effective when everyone that is gathered together is wearing them. Please sign the petition and help keep children safe in Charlotte County Schools!