HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0360.007 2020-2022 l
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From: alisynblosser
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2021 8:13 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony for Comm 360: Potential Changes to COVID 19 Policies and Proqqrams
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF WAI'I
RECEIVED
This is a testimony for Comm 360: Potential Changes to COVID 19 Policies and Programs: Time ;[ ,tri.
Hello, Date AUG16 2021
I am sorry I am not able to be live in this meeting as I'm currently teaching my first graders their phonics and how to read. Our
classroom is full of bright, eager to learn, eager to read first graders.There is no logical reason that my own health choices should
impact their eagerness to learn. Last year almost their entire Kindergarten year was online,with only a few weeks in person.
Between the constantly changing guidelines and constant mask wearing at school,they are missing key developmental components
of speech,which affects their reading and speech. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood, a Bachelors in Teaching, and a
Masters in Teaching and Learning. I also have a huge heart for the kids here in Hawaii to have amazing education. Nowhere in my
contract as a DOE employee does it state I need to share my personal health choices to continue to do my job. I want to teach, I
enjoy showing up to school, and I was so excited to have the kids back on campus this year.This new mandate from our Governor
has crossed the line and I can't just sit quiet any longer. Legally, it's a breach in our contract. Ultimately, it's going to leave
classrooms full of Hawaii's kids without teachers.Across the board for State Employees, especially those who have given their whole
lives to make Hawaii an amazing place, it's unfair. If this is truly going to be demanded of us, it's only fair that we get to see Covid
vaccination statuses of our elected officials, as well as weekly drug tests,since apparently personal health choices aren't free choices
or confidential anymore.
-Alisyn B.
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1 Ref. Dote 1 7 2021