By Marion Filler
The Morris District School board took a “wait and see” stance Monday on whether masks will be required when schools reopen in September.
“The state will base their guidance on the latest CDC update,” said Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast, who got an earful from about 25 parents who blasted the district’s pandemic policies during the meeting in the Morristown High School auditorium.
At the moment, the CDC says only unvaccinated students should wear masks in school. Gov. Murphy has not mandated masks for students in New Jersey, though he has not ruled out reimposing safety measures if infection rates continue rising.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says all staff and students age 2 and older should wear masks.
Pendergrast advised parents to stay flexible.
That wasn’t what a vocal contingent from Morristown, Morris Township and the Child Advocacy Coalition in Brick, wanted to hear.
Loud clapping and cheering encouraged speaker after speaker who voiced dissatisfaction with measures they claimed isolated and harmed children during the pandemic.
The auditorium was silent when a parent thanked the board and faculty for their hard work. Silence also greeted a teacher from Morris Township who described this year as the most difficult –and rewarding–of her career.
“Those of us who were in the trenches know that we made a real impact on our students,” the teacher said.
‘Thank you for keeping us safe’ : Teacher praises Morris School District board, July 26, 2021. Video by Marion Filler for MorristownGreen.com:
She was followed by a parent who vehemently disagreed. Contending there have been student suicides, she said, “I don’t think that’s success. This is craziness, this is fear that needs to end. You are ruining our children.”
The parent also repeated incorrect claims from social media that the CDC is discontinuing its COVID-19 test because it can’t differentiate the novel coronavirus from the flu.
‘You’re ruining our children!’ : Parent blasts Morris School District board, July 26, 2021. Video by Marion Filler for MorristownGreen.com:
And so it continued, with mask opponents citing oxygen deprivation, segregation and ostracism, and rising rates of depression and anxiety. A mental health professional asserted “the long-term negative effect of the mask far outweighs the risk from the virus.”
Speakers also contested the efficacy of masks, questioned the science from the CDC, and were in agreement that parents and not the government should decide what is best for their children.
The discussion ended with Pendergrast acknowledging the parents’ opinions, while offering a gracious rebuttal to their criticisms.
Thanking administrators and educators for their “amazing” dedication during the pandemic, Pendergrast added: “For the record, it’s the most impressive thing I’ve ever been part of.”
Morris School District Supt. Mackey Pendergrast praises faculty and staff for their pandemic performance, July 26, 2021. Video by Marion Filler for MorristownGreen.com:
Totally agree with you Charles. Insurance companies should also deny coverage for the obese and those with lifestyle diseases like heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and those who don’t exercise or who make poor dietary choices. They should also be denied a drivers license to prevent them from causing the death of other drivers if they have a heart attack while driving. Also, please point to the support for those credibly accused of causing the deaths of others due to covid and the part of the Constitution that allows the government to mandate medical procedures.
As to those mask & vaccine unbelievers, have them visit some unvaccinated COVID victims in the hospital; have them attend funeral services for unvaccinated victims.
Insurance companies should require COVID vaccination as a requirement for continuing coverage. That would prop up vaccination rates right away.
The general protection of the public far outweighs any perceived personal “right” to remain unvaccinated.
The right of one person to cause the death of another is not protected in our Constitution.
The face diaper crowd won’t give up. If they had their way newborns would be masked up. Covid has sure brought out the irrational fear and weakness in many. Look at the folks who drive around, alone, windows up, wearing a face diaper,
The same parents who who inflict such nonsense on their kids at the same time feed them the standard American diet that makes them fat and sick.
Disgusting.
Great attempt at fear mongering Dan. The child survival rate from Covid is 99.99+%. A total of 2 school aged children have died from Covid in NJ since the start of the Pandemic and approximately 215-220 nationwide. Many of those children had co-morbitities or underlying health issues. More children die from drug overdoses and suicide.
They want some kids to die because they want to beat their chests about some make believe right. They attempt to intimidate the real people who are charged with protecting and educating these children.
ICYMI, the governor recently announced a vaccine-or-test mandate for all teachers. The NJEA issued a statement in support.
The real essential workers stepped up big time during the pandemic and performed above and beyond the call of duty. The teachers and their union bosses stepped down. Notice that there has been little or no discussion of vaccine mandates for the teachers. The unions will not allow it.
Quite interesting how many of these parents attribute their kid’s anxiety and depression to masks. Even the mental health expert who stood up that night did the same. I’d be curious to know how many of these parents also bought a smart phone for their teens and allow them to use social media. Let’s blame their depression, anxiety, isolation and loneliness on masks (a public health tool), rather than their unfettered use of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc. (all knowingly unhealthy tools for teens if used in the wrong way).
A lot of the commenters here sound like insufferably self entitled miserable people. Is the sun shining on your face today, are you breathing in air, are your children? Go enjoy your life and appreciate what you have, so many in the world have lost everything and you whine.
These educators are the best of us, and you treat them like garbage. Shame on you.
I think our educators deserve enormous pay bumps and our sincere appreciation for everything they have been through. I would happily pay more in taxes to see our schools and teachers lifted up.
https://fee.org/articles/despite-delta-alarmism-us-covid-deaths-are-at-lowest-level-since-march-2020-harvard-and-stanford-professors-explain/
We have to stop acting like the district did us a huge favor by being open at all last year. As of August, 2020 we were to be full day. Then the rug was pulled out from under us. The teacher contract was negotiated to never be full day last year, yet we were given glimmers of hope they might extend the day. It is nonsensical the kids could be there for three hours, not six, eat a snack at school, but not lunch. Somehow the after school program was able to be run though. Private schools stayed open with no issues and were transparent with their students. Other public districts set out timelines for reopening (which they adhered to), with many eventually extending to full day. Other districts that were half day had live specials or other in person instruction. Other districts removed masks for the year in June and wrote to the governor that they opposed them for this upcoming year. Our district had the strictest quarantine and screening procedures l ever heard( the worst being if someone I. A household had COVID but the child did not, resulting in almost a month out of school)-they also frequently changed policies at will and without notice or reason (I.e. if a child vomits for any reason they must stay home three days). It was almost as if a parent kept their kid home to be cautious they were penalized; not everything is COVID! Many of us gave us spring break and other activities that WE worked hard for because the district was interrogating people as to if anyone broke any of their arbitrary rules and treating them like criminals if they did. No one cared about parents having to find childcare on a moment’s notice for these arbitrary rules when we went virtual for “potential” exposure, to take a day to figure out staffing, or for the primary, in which maybe 20 extra people were in the affected schools. Google meets were a joke. It’s time to move on and make up all that learning loss!
The past school year was hard for everyone–children, parents, teachers and administrators–and we all deserve some grace. Please remember, the Board of Education and Superintendent had to guide the district through a global pandemic without any pre-existing road map. No one says the last year was an ideal educational experience, but the Morris School District: 1) set up virtual learning for all students essentially over a weekend in March 2020, while some districts took weeks; 2) opened up in-person in Sept 2020, albeit not full-day, full-time, while some other NJ districts kept children out of school for a year or more; and 3) prevented outbreaks with limited and surgical school closures. These were no small feats. Now, at a time when NJ’s vaccination rate is relatively high, but cases are surging because of the more transmissible Delta variant, the “wait and see” approach sounds like a very reasonable option and indicative of more thoughtful leadership from the people who saw us through 2020. It’s painful, but we need to recognize that the pandemic is not over. As we prepare to start a second COVID school year, I’m preparing myself that things may not be ideal for anyone again, but I will trust the careful decision-making of the current administration to continue to keep our children and community safe.
When does the super ever answer parent questions? That’s his job, right?
Funny that school is a constitutional right and our taxes pay for it. We had years of flu, strep and so many illnesses that no one batted at eye. Have these scared teachers spent months at home? Doubtful. Stop making school a jail.
It’s plain to see all of these Mom’s are home-grown epidemiologists, who probably spend hours of time doing their “research” on the loo. I sure would trust their conclusions over those that have years of experience in medicine and public health. Now, to the Mom who pointed out that those people fearful of getting the virus should stay home. How about we reverse it- if you and child refuse to wear masks, take a covid test several times a week if you want to attend school. Otherwise, stay home. Choose between your slavish devotion to individual liberties , and some notion of the common good. It’s not your right to infringe upon my child’s freedom by exposing my kids to COVID.
This is why I am happily withdrawing my children for home schooling. Covid isn’t the only issue with public school anymore. I applaud the parents for standing up – what will you do when they ignore you?
The past year and change of “school“ was a joke, I witnessed it all, and I’m happy to sacrifice my time to make sure my kids get a traditional education.
I love how the author doubles down on the “fact checkers” opining on the meaning of the CDC pulling the PCR test. Are you not aware that “fact checkers” are nothing more than political organizations pushing a chosen narrative. Your links prove nothing. The CDC link is clear – they are pulling the PCR test at the end of the year in favor of other tests that more accurately detect COVID and flu. It has been known for months and months that the PCR test is not accurate in identifying infectious cases of COVID and that a high percentage of “cases” are not infectious and do not require quarantine to keep people safe. Many many actual studies out there proving it. Not only did MSD quarantine according to CDC rules but they went above and beyond those rules keeping kids out of school, out of activities, for unwarranted amounts of time and for unwarranted reason. Kudos to the parents who are fighting for their kids. Keep it up.
And also, read this: https://www.factcheck.org/2021/07/scicheck-viral-posts-misrepresent-cdc-announcement-on-covid-19-pcr-test/ and this: https://healthfeedback.org/claimreview/eua-withdrawal-for-cdc-covid-19-pcr-test-is-due-to-the-development-of-newer-tests-that-help-save-time-and-resources-not-because-the-test-is-faulty/
https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dls/locs/2021/07-21-2021-lab-alert-Changes_CDC_RT-PCR_SARS-CoV-2_Testing_1.html
For all the parents saying I spoke misinformation about the CDC pulling the test. Here is the site. So maybe you people can take the time to read educate yourselves.
It’s inspiring to see parents fighting for their children when no one else will. The fact that there is more than one opinion on this issue proves masks should be optional. School needs to be focused on learning, not COVID. No one on the Board is an educational expert. I understand medical professionals actually spoke on Monday, why aren’t they and parents included in a reasonable conversation? If you are sick, stay home. End of story.
I was also there and applaud the parents for fighting for THEIR children. There was no acrimony, maybe just one snowflake teacher. Sorry, getting full pay for a half a day is over. People can make their own decisions. Once Murphy is gone this will be easy.
Like the libs say, “MY BODY MY CHOICE!”
I urge all MSD parents to buy masks from fakemaskusa.com to drive the administration and teachers nuts this year.
Because of these school mask mandates NJ and the town will once again be losing producers who pay taxes and volunteer. Our place will be taken by vagabonds on the state till looking for handouts. This will keep happening until the coffers are empty.
After this year the move is on to a free state with intelligent well rounded citizens that have critical thinking skills.
RIP NJ – 1787-2021 – You had it all and blew it on the war pigs at the NJEA.
I was present at the meeting and horrified by the aggressiveness, acrimony, and intolerance of the anti-mask crowd towards differences of opinion. The author failed to mention how a teacher got up to request a mask mandate for the upcoming school year, and a parent yelled “THEN RETIRE!”. The audience was filled with 25 Karen’s, all with valuable points and opinions that are worthy of ears, but a tone filled with acrimony that repelled even the most open of minds and hearts. On the point of masks- it begs us to ask ourselves why we focus so vehemently on our child’s academics, athletics, college pathway, etc. but fail to focus core civic values such as self-sacrifice and caring for community.
It was great to see all the parents who came out and expressed their concerns around masks. Having children wearing masks is nonsensical. Children are not the spreaders of COVID. Out of all those who tested positive during the MSD 2020-2021 school year, the feedback I got was that very few were children. That means is was the ADULTS WHO TESTED POSITIVE. The adults are the ones going out shopping, to bars, to restaurants, to parties, to movies, concerts, events, etc. It is not the elementary child (4-10) who is doing that on their own!. No one should fear that children will spread COVID. To those teachers and staff that ‘fear for their safety’ please wear masks, gloves, googles, hazmat suits and anything else that makes you comfortable. Get 2 vaccinations, boosters, double boosters, as many shots as you can take. I support you 1000%, BUT DON’T PUSH THAT ONTO ME OR MY CHILDREN. To say those that ‘UN-vaccinated’ are causing the problem, how do you explain that those who have been FULLY vaccinated are testing positive for COVID and in some cases DYING??????!!!!! Nature will find a way to survive. Whatever or whomever created this virus made sure that it will survive. We have to LIVE with it has we do with the FLU, SARS, PNEUMONIA, the COMMON COLD. No one should be pushed to get vaccinated or mask up just to appease those that are living in fear. For those that are living in fear, STAY HOME. Don’t go out, don’t interact with anyone, don’t touch anything, DON’T DO A THING! Let the rest of us live our lives as we wish for life is very short.
It’s unbelievable how people have forgotten it is PARENTS who make decisions on their minor children’s ’ behalf. If someone wants to wear a dirty scrap on their face no one is stopping them, but most of us have been unmasked for months with no issue. Our taxes pay for full time school, not this nonsense. The district claims the guidance changes daily, yet they were trying to jump the gun and pass the most restrictive guidance immediately. Any study from Pediatric Associations (funded by Pfizer) or that masks are effective can immediately be refuted by a quick Google search. Get these kids back to school!
The Ghost of Christmas Past has two feral children under his robe. He tells Scrooge that the girl is want and the boy is ignorance, the Ghost says beware and fear them both but especially beware the boy. How this meeting shows the truth of that scene.
Everyone on that stage was a coward for not even stating their positions on anything! Mackey did not answer one question or concern, but rather AGAIN patted himself on the back. This year was hard for EVERYONE, not just the district, and we already had a year of “waiting and seeing.” It’s clear only the parents care about the children and the teachers care about themselves. VOTE EVERY MEMBER OF THE BOARD OUT!
So happy my child has graduated from this district that has taken a nosedive since the arrival of the current superintendent. The board and he love to pat themselves on the back. They are absolutely oblivious to what they have done at a once great district. My child learned ZERO in the last year and a half. ZERO. I wonder how often he watched the google meets to see what was happening. I’ve watched. What was happening was a joke. Teachers barely taught. AP teacher teaching one class live then telling the other sections to watch the recording?! Another AP class with a teacher telling students to just do their work while she sat there humming and doing nothing? 4 years of language including honors and AP and my kid couldn’t place out of the first level in the college placement exam. This is a kid with well over a 4.0 from this district. Year and a half of hybrid half days but loads of time to work with Harvard to put out a survey on “equity”. Good luck to all the parents with years left in this district. If I had younger kids I would pull them out. Oh and if you think masks aren’t coming back in full force think again.
And this is where we are today. People make up their own facts and science regardless of what the medical experts and scientists say. The CDC discontinued COVID testing because it couldn’t differentiate between COVID and the flu? Haven’t heard that blatantly false allegation yet. These parents need to get off social media, stop treating their kids like precious cult objects and start listening to what the medical/scientific community has been saying. Despite all of the conclusions that masks absolutely do help to curb transmission, apparently half of US citizens don’t believe it to be true. And if your kid is going to be “ruined” because he/she MAY need to wear a piece of cloth over their face for a few hours, maybe the problem isn’t masking up. Maybe it is how you raised your child. I don’t need to be exposed to your kid’s COVID because Billy would have somehow been traumatized from wearing a piece of cloth for a few hours.