Survey: Should students wear masks?

from Northwest Observer / To Your Health 2021 / July 29 - Aug. 4, 2021

A nudge toward fi tness

COMMUNITY SURVEY

It’s back to school – with masks required amid differing views

by CHRIS BURRITT and ANNETTE JOYCE

NW GUILFORD – With the start of the new school year in just over a month, do you think school leaders should still require students, teachers and staff to wear masks?

We asked students, parents, other residents and Guilford County school district leaders for their viewpoints on the question. Opinions differed as the debate is rising nationally along with the spread of COVID-19 cases, spurred by the highly contagious Delta variant.

At present, masking in North Carolina’s schools and on school buses is required by Gov. Roy Cooper and the state Department of Health and Human Services.

In mid-July the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance for the upcoming school year, recommending that everyone two years and older wear masks, even if they’ve been fully vaccinated.

That advice contradicts the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which earlier this month relaxed its masking guidelines to say fully vaccinated teachers and students don’t need to wear masks.

While Guilford County Schools officials “read the CDC’s new guidance with interest,” they’re following the statewide mandate for masking in schools, according to Janson Silvers, a media spokesperson for the school district.

“If or when this changes, we will review our protocols and make adjustments as needed,” Silvers said. “In the meantime, we encourage all students and staff to get vaccinated prior to the start of the new school year.”

Adobe stock photo At present, masking in North Carolina’s schools and on school buses is required by Gov. Roy Cooper and the state Department of Health and Human Services, despite CDC advice that fully vaccinated teachers and students do not need to wear a mask. Guilford County Schools offi cials plan to follow the statewide mandate for masking in schools, according to Janson Silvers, a media spokesperson for the school district.

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“As I consider the idea of attending school with a mask, I have all sorts of emotions, mostly sad and frustrated.

“I think of what we have gone through over the past year and a half, and I feel we deserve to have a normal school year that entails everything we love about high school, including seeing each other’s smiles in the hallway. This can’t be done if we are wearing masks.

“I know I have taken the precaution of getting vaccinated, so that I can go to school normally. As I approach my senior year, I have only had one full year of (inperson) high school, and I do not

like to think that my second full year of high school will be altered due to wearing masks.

“So that being said, I think masking should be a choice. If you feel more comfortable in the school setting with a mask, then you should wear one.

“I hope the 2021-2022 school year makes up for lost memories and is truly a celebration for a step toward normalcy.”

Annie Badger, 12th grader and student body president, Northern Guilford High School

“The Northwest Guilford High School PTSO board represents the parents, teachers and students who are members and advocates for the well-being of the overall school environment. We are comprised of many varying opinions on mask mandates. With that said, we all support the school and the district’s measures to keep our students, staff and facility safe.

“Additionally, we are thrilled to have our students returning and look forward to a successful school year!” Melissa Stallings, president of

Northwest Guilford High School PTSO (Parent, Teacher, Student Organization)

“As the new NGHS PTSA president, I think students and staff who are fully vaccinated should have the option to wear masks. However, I want my child to be back to full-time in-person learning, so we will follow the School Board’s policy – but my preference would be that masks are optional.”

Kelly Reis, president of Northern Guilford High School PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association)

“Unequivocally, no (to masks); any such Orwellian mask mandate is an overbearing response and inept strategy in dealing with a return to classroom normalcy.

“A more rational response would be to promote proactive measures including frequent hand cleaning, availability of sanitizing products, physical separation where possible and rapid response through an effective communication plan. Seatbelts and airbags do not protect drivers 100 percent, yet we still drive. Similarly, we should not expect statistical perfection in responding to this complex human condition.

“The federal government has totally botched its response to this pandemic with unnecessary hype, conflicting advice and confusing mandates. I agree with the CDC on this point. Common sense should rule the day with fully vaccinated students (and staff) allowed to remain maskless if they so choose.” Bill Edwards, Oak Ridge

“My biggest concern is for the elementary kids and ESL (English as second language) students. I’ve volunteered as a reading buddy at Northern Elementary in a kindergarten room and fifth grade class. So many students read lips as they begin to understand how words are formed and wearing a mask impedes learning a language.

“In high school Spanish, I had to look at my teacher’s mouth to understand what was being said. At work, I’ve had to try to figure out what people need through a mask and there is room for error and frustration when faces are covered.

“Students are less likely to ask for help because teachers only want to say things once. There is a fear of asking someone to repeat the sentence because you could be looked at as not paying attention.

“So much of language is also reading expression on someone’s

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