NOTE: If you are from a different school district or school, you can still sign this petition! It may influence your district or schools to close as well.

As of March 9th, there have been over 100 cases and 19 deaths in the greater Seattle area. Amid the corona virus concerns, the closure of schools would ensure safety for the students in the district, as well as the general public. Even though children’s symptoms are usually mild, they can spread the virus more. Multiple districts and schools in Washington state have already closed, so why haven't the schools in the center of it all closed?

Schools are crowded places where COVID-19 can be spread easily. This virus is new to scientists and experts, we don't know much about it yet. However, we do understand that the elderly and those with underlying conditions are at the highest risk for serious illness. Students may have family members that are elderly, and or have a health condition and this may be concerning for some.

The schools and their districts say that no students in their education programs have tested positive for the virus, however, testing is currently limited and we can't confirm that. Children often show milder symptoms of COVID-19 and go undetected for the virus. We want all schools in the district to close until we learn more about the virus, have more effective methods of eliminating and containing the virus, and have more resources to aid in this likely pandemic situation.

Closing schools is a big move, many short term consequences may follow but in the long term, this would be the smartest decision to ensure the safety of not just the children, but the safety of the faculty, staff, their families and the greater Washington area.

Please Sign this petition for the safety of all!