MELROSE — In another sign of COVID waning, the ever-cautious School Committee decided it was safe to make face masks optional in the city’s educational facilities.
That decision, made Tuesday night, was effective the next day. It marks the first time since March 2020 that kids could see each other’s full faces in the classroom and a move by school officials to abide by the science as positive coronavirus cases continue to drop drastically.
Masks are still required in all school health offices, and disposable masks will still be made available.
Supt. of Schools Dr. Julie Kukenberger, who suggested the move to the school board this week, wrote in a memo:
“Our transition to a mask optional approach will present a wide range of emotions for students and staff. For many of our students, this will be the first time they come to school without a mask or see others without a mask in school. To support our educators in supporting our students, we have prepared teaching tools; here is an elementary example. We aim to reinforce that wearing a mask is a personal and private choice. Additionally, we will continue to remind students of the other risk reduction strategies, such as frequent hand washing, routine COVID-19 safety checks, staying home when you are sick or symptomatic, and creating social distance when possible.
“Classroom conversations are designed to reassure students that everyone’s decision to wear a mask or not is personal and will be supported and respected.
“In transition and shift to a mask optional environment, we are prepared and expect some level of behavior around mask questioning/shaming. We expect all MPS employees to be vigilant about listening for, watching for, and responding to any unexpected behavior that does not meet the expectations outlined in the shared teaching tools.
“Communication is an essential part of this transition. If your child is struggling with this transition or experiencing unexpected behavior, please communicate with their teacher, a counselor, or the principal immediately so we may develop a plan to best support them during the school day.
“Thank you to all of our students, families, and staff for your continued support, patience, and perseverance as we implement another change in our protocols and practices. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your building principal or me,” Kukenberger concluded.