School’s In, Masks Optional

By Abby Baker

Marvion Thomas smiles after the first day of school for Pinellas County on Wednesday, August 11.

After the challenge that was 2020, Pinellas County Schools were back in session on Wednesday, August 11. While the pandemic isn’t over, the mask mandate is, and students at schools across the county could be seen in various stages of mask-wearing – some firmly worn, some askew and many tucked away in the bottom of backpacks or nonexistent.

Per the school board’s decision, PCS is not enforcing a mask mandate, instead leaving the decision up to students – most of whom are unvaccinated – and parents for the 2021-22 school year amidst a massive surge in COVID-19 cases sparked by the Delta variant. Masks are also optional for PCS teachers, staff and visitors.

The Pinellas County School Board made masks optional for students, teachers, staff and visitors.

Unlike neighboring school district, Hillsborough County, students need no “opt out” forms to leave a mask at home, a decision that prompted a rally of parents and healthcare professionals outside Pinellas County School’s district office two days before school started.

As was the case in 2020, parents and students do have multiple “learning options” this year – in-person attendance, and the online options of MyPCS Online and Pinellas Virtual

School, which has been available for several years, according to PCS.

Rising Numbers

“Pinellas County Schools will follow the wellness protocols outlined in the Florida Department of Health Emergency Rule 64DER21- 12, issued August 6, 2021, by Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees,” reads the PCS website. “This applies to all students, staff and visitors.”

PCS “strongly” recommends masks, handwashing and “stay at home when sick” guidelines.

Children under 12 cannot currently get the vaccine, and Pinellas COVID cases are at an all-time high, according to the New York Times COVID-19 Tracker.

During the first week of school, PCS reported an average of 917 coronavirus cases.

“I’d say half and half wear their masks, but it’s only the second day back,” Boca Ciega High School teacher Matt Gudorf told the Gabber on Thursday, August 12. “With the numbers the way they are, I’m a little worried about our team getting COVID.”

Gudorf, who coaches football at BCHS, remembers last year’s shaky season.

“A couple games were canceled due to other teams players being out with COVID,” Gudorf said. “I’m interested to see how this year pans out.”

Inside Schools

The first day of school on August 11 brought plenty of strong opinions about the mask mandate – or lack thereof.

Antwan Glasper, parent to Gulfport Montessori Elementary School student Joaquin, makes sure his son is equipped with protective measures for school.

“My son is wearing a mask, but you don’t know just how many people are out here walking around unvaccinated,” Glasper said at the school’s pickup area. “He has a bookbag full of masks.”

Fourth grade teacher and parent at the same school, Shantel Ferro, disagrees.

“I’m happy because they can breathe again,” Ferro said on the first day. “It’s hard to teach through

a mask.” Find more information at pcsb. org/covid19.