K-12 students went back to school Wednesday in Monroe County, marking the first time some students have been inside a classroom in a year and a half.
During its school board meeting last week, MCCSC changed its mask policy to align with CDC recommendations. Originally, vaccinated teachers would not have to wear a mask with proof of vaccination; however, Monroe County’s mask mandate requires all students, staff, and visitors to wear them regardless of vaccination status.
Jake Loudenbarger has a first grader at Rogers Binford Elementary. He was hoping things would be completely back to normal this year.
“I’m probably more bummed about it than the kids are,” he said. “He doesn’t really know any different, and I think the teachers are trying their best with it.”
Loudenbarger says his son has only experienced school during the pandemic. Still, he is not worried about COVID-19 transmitting in elementary school classrooms.
Other parents, like Lara Cutshall, say masking up is essential for classes like 6th grade, where there are 11-year-olds and 12-year-olds together. In this case, vaccinations are available for people 12 years and older.
“I would like them to be [masked] because most of them aren’t [vaccinated],” she said. “He’s in elementary school, they’re not even eligible yet.”
In Monroe County, just under 76,000 people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 12–15-year old’s make up about 2,350 of them.
“I think it’s absolutely necessary, taking any precaution- especially since the kids aren’t vaccinated,” Brianna Giarratano said. “We definitely don’t have this under control yet. So, we’re thrilled with the decision.”
Other parents are indifferent about masks; they’re just grateful their kids are returning to in-person school.
“I’m grateful that they’re in school, even with masks or without them, that they’re at least able to interact with each other, spend time with each other, and learn,” Kathy Sanders said. “Learning online is hard, even for adults sometimes.”
MCCSC said it will continue to monitor metrics throughout the school year to determine necessary changes.
