After a school committee vote Feb. 15, all Hull schools will be officially mask-optional starting Feb. 28.
The widely supported decision comes after nearly two years without “normal.”
After a recommendation from Superintendent Judy Kuehn and the voicing of opinions and concerns from multiple parents in attendance, four out of five members voted to accept a flexible mask policy, with one member abstaining from the vote.
Many parents turned up at the meeting to ask questions, share concerns, and voice their opinions. Perhaps the most important part of this policy is that masking will be flexible and optional – kids and families may still wear masks if they choose, and some parents said their kids feel more comfortable in masks and will continue to wear them.
With cases low and vaccination rates relatively good, it is certainly time. High school students, faced with February break and the prospect of seeing their friends faces once they come back, have more energy and seem excited. Some students have never had a “normal” year in the high school. This decision might allow it to be their first.
All other protocols will still be in place, like the new antigen testing starting after break and increased sanitization. Students will still have to wear masks on buses.
Some students and families may still continue to wear masks. Some teachers likely will as well. But by allowing them the choice, we give ourselves the flexibility to make all feel comfortable. If you can’t breathe in a mask, don’t wear one. If you feel more comfortable wearing one, go right ahead. Students could wear a mask on Monday then shed it on Tuesday.
COVID19 isn’t over yet. We’ll keep our other protections and watch the case count. We’ll don them again if we need to, but for now, let’s mask a little less and smile a little more.
Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column expresses her student viewpoint. For questions or news tips, please email dolan.victorialani@gmail.com
