State officials stepped in this week to tell the Bridgeport Diocese it cannot end its school mask mandate early after the superintendent announced plans to go mask-optional starting Monday. Now, parents are rallying in support of Superintendent Dr. Steven Cheeseman.

The statewide mask mandate is set to end Feb. 28, but these parents are concerned the state Department of Education could change that date or bring mandates back in the future.

Lawmakers in the state House voted Thursday to extend Gov. Ned Lamont's COVID-19 orders to Feb. 28. Parents say they won't take further mandates sitting down.

After Feb. 28, individual school and health districts will choose whether to require masks in schools or not.