100 signatures reached
To: Mayor Jim Kenney and Superintendent William Hite
Close Philly Schools & Feed the Children
In the wake of the pandemic related to Covid 19, we call upon Mayor Jim Kenney and Superintendent William Hite to close all schools immediately. In addition, due to the burden this will cause for many families who depend on the meal program, we call upon the city and school district to work out a plan to feed children who rely upon these meals.
Keeping schools open poses an imminent threat to the public. Michigan, Maryland and Ohio have closed all K-12 schools and Philadelphia should follow their example.
#CloseTheSchoolsFeedTheChildren
Why is this important?
COVID-19 is not “fake news” and should stop being treated by city and school leaders as “no big deal”. It’s one thing for the School District of Philadelphia to drag its feet on school closings on snow days, but this is life and death. According the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/us/coronavirus-deaths-estimate.html), officials have offered dire predictions where upwards of 214 million Americans could become infected, hospitals could run out of beds for the sick, and the death toll could rise as high at 1.7 million people. These are predictions, but they do not have to become reality. One of the best ways to prevent this doomsday scenario is to greatly reduce daily contact in large groups (you know, like schools?). The city has already banned gatherings of 1,000 or more and recommends cancelling meetings of 250 to 1000. The city should take its own advice and close the schools. Here are my top reasons for closing schools now:
1. While children are relatively safe so far, there are others who have asthma, issues with their immune system, and other health reasons that should not be potentially exposed. The Inquirer reported that a teacher has been in close contact with a family member known to have contracted COVID-19, potentially putting children and others at risk.
2. Although true that children seem to be relatively safe even if exposed, the most susceptible groups around them are not. Encountering children who may have the virus puts parents, grandparents, teachers, school staff and others who are in the most vulnerable group at risk.
3. Many children use SEPTA trains, trolleys, and buses each day during the morning rush hour. Need I say more?
4. We have not used snow days this year, so we can make up missed time at the end of the semester.
5. The NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, Disneyland, and others have all made significant and historic changes to their scheduling. Schools are closed in the states of Michigan, Maryland, and Ohio. Why should we be different? Do we know something they don’t know?
6. And let’s not forget that SDP ordered alcohol free hand sanitizer that does not meet the guidelines of the CDC according to the teacher’s union. Yet, we are to trust that the SDP has this all under control? I’m having flashbacks from asbestos filled buildings in the not so distant past.
Some will say that closing the schools places a hardship on families who rely upon them for the basics like a daily meal. We don’t have to choose one or the other. We can (and must) do both. Norristown has made plans to make food available for their students while schools are closed. Surely, Philadelphia can do the same. We must close the schools while we still have time, for the adage is right that you can't close the barn door after the cow has gotten away. Simply put, changing behavior saves lives. If you agree that the schools must be closed now, sign the petition and let your voice be heard! #CloseTheSchoolsFeedTheChildren