We, the parents of TCA, strongly insist that there not be a requirement for teachers, staff and students to wear facial masks before, during, or after school this coming Fall. Here are our concerns:

Health

1. Numerous TCA parents who are nurses/doctors have expressed that extended mask wearing not only decreases oxygen intake but also increases the amount of CO2 intake. Prolonged use can lead to both hypoxia and hypercapnia. Overtime, both can aid in the growth of cancer and lead to strokes.

2. Mask wearing in general can increase the risk of infection while also contributing to decreased immunity. Prolonged use can actually prevent a child’s immune system from developing properly.

3. Young kids will be touching desks/walls/pencils/toilet handles/etc and subsequently their masks throughout the day. This not only deposits germs/virus/bacteria near the face and increases our children's chances of getting sick, but it makes for a germ-infested mask by the end of the day. This does not hinder the spread of germs but rather increases it. In fact, the Denver Health Department noted the touching of masks as their number one concern in kids.

4. Snack and lunch time will prove to be a challenge in maintaining the integrity of masks as they are handled, taken off, and set down on multiple surfaces throughout the day.

Learning and Development

1. For a child who lacks in social awareness and needs facial expression to discern how to act/react, mask wearing will be a major detriment. Therapists use facial expression flashcards for kids who need help in this area. Covering up more than half of the children’s faces will halt the growth of this discernment for many kids.

2. For kids hard of hearing or kids who experience speech issues, a teacher wearing a mask causes great concern for that child’s development. There are also children with special needs and sensory issues that would struggle mightily with having to wear a face mask all day.

We acknowledge that this virus is very real and can be cause for concern in our older citizens as well as immune-compromised individuals. But, zero children under the age of 10, to date, have died of this virus in Colorado. We do not feel that a near 0% death rate in children is worth the risks and detriments stated here.

We love the TCA community and the education our children have received. Thank you for hearing our concerns and considering the realities of our children's health.