A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CYNTHIA BRIAN
In my school days, I always anticipated getting back into the classroom in September to meet my new teachers, see friends, make new friends, and learn new subjects. But for students today, Covid-19 has rendered havoc and fear mixed with those strong emotions of wanting life to be back to normal.
Despite hopes that we were emerging from the pandemic, it is clear that it’s not over yet. The Delta variant is ramping up as schools and universities scramble to create a safe environment for administrators, teachers, staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the students.
In our school district, all staff, teachers, and volunteers are required to be vaccinated. Most students ages 12 and over are vaccinated. With few exceptions, everyone on campus will be required to wear masks when indoors. Those with medical conditions who can’t don a a mask, will wear face shields with draping. Anyone exposed to a Covid-19 infected individuals must quarantine. There are numerous other requirements for home health checks, sanitation, hygiene, daily classroom cleaning, testing, ventilation, air quality, and contract tracing. Transparency without violating student privacy will be key to success in this very complex and challenging environment. With the enforced rules and guidelines, in the two weeks that school has been in-person learning, no cases of Covid have transpired.
Sadly, this is not the case around the United States. I’ve spoken with several volunteers in states where politicians who are against wearing masks are fighting with the school boards and administrators that believe masks will protect the children. One person explained that within two days of opening, her child’s school had to quarantine because 35 kids under the age of 10 contracted Covid. Another told me that both of her children are suffering with Covid after just 5 days at school. Not only did the school have to close, but parents who can’t work remotely, have to miss work to care for their children.
The world is in the midst of a major health crisis. Politicians who are fighting against masks and the vaccine are putting their constituents in deathly danger. All of us must strive to get our priorities straight. The virus is our enemy. It is not one another, nor should vaccinations and masking be a political issue.
For those of us 12 years of age and older, we have a source to remain healthy through a simple vaccine. Pfizer has now been officially approved by the FDA with Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to follow soon. I applaud the many private sector employers that are already mandating vaccines for employees and hope that many more will follow.
We need to keep our children safe and the only way we can do that is to vaccinate everyone who is eligible. The Delta variant is many times more contagious and deadly than the original virus and if we continue to allow this virus to replicate, it will continue to mutate. The outcome could be drastically worse than what we are experiencing now.
Our children want and need to go to school. They deserve not only an education but the socialization that a healthy school environment entails. If you love your kids, get vaccinated and encourage those around you to do the same.
Don’t listen to the politicians, social media, or even other people, including me. Instead, listen to the experts and talk to your personal physician about the course you need to take to keep yourself and your loved ones virus-free.
This virus is a test. Will we pass the exam?
Let’s get our economy back on track. Let’s get the kids safely in school. We each hold the key to success and we are in this together. Protect one another.
Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. It is the right thing to do.
Stay safe, stay strong, be healthy.
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org
https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
http://www.BTSYA.org
DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
The Pear and Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 25th from 11 am-4pm with free family fun at Moraga Commons Park in Moraga. The town is keeping tabs on the Delta variant and will cancel if necessary. Be the Star You Are!® is participating with a booth. hosts and reporters of our radio broadcast, Express Yourself! will be in person to greet visitors. Instead of doing our normal face painting, BTSYA volunteers will be providing a table with masks to be decorated. We will also have a Kids Korner with a reading circle. Many thanks to our sponsors The Lamorinda Weekly Newspaper (
www.lamorindaweekly.com) and MBJesse Painting (
www.MBJessee.com). Also appreciation to author Brooks Olbrys who has donated two cases of books in English and Spanish of his 10 year anniversary special of Blue Ocean Bob. (
https://www.blueoceanbob.com) Children who attend will be given a beautiful new book.
The festival will feature food, wine, art, children’s activities, a petting zoo, and fun for everyone. Admission is FREE. More information at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-events
