Masking up in school

STOUGHTON, Mass. — The state is requiring masks for students going back to school effective immediately.

DESE has already begun alerting school districts as they get ready to open for the year. The mask mandate allows schools to lift the mandate in October if the school has an 80% vaccination rate.

Emily Weldon is a teacher in Brockton and she told us masks are a good idea out of the gate to help give more time for students to get vaccinated.

“We can help stop the spread that way then it is an easy thing to do,” Weldon said.

The back to school season is underway and the COVID rules are already changing. The state announced this week masks will be required in public schools through at least September. Mark Struck has two children going to school in Stoughton.

“Actually they are doing pretty good coping with masks, they are really looking forward to getting back,” said Struck.

DESE set one condition. Beginning October 1st -- The Commissioner’s policy would allow schools to lift the mask mandate for vaccinated students and staff if the school’s vaccination rate is higher than 80%. In a letter to parents, Stoughton’s Superintendent included the the town’s rate as of 8/19. 42% of the students 12-15 are fully vaccinated. For students 16-19 the rate is 58%. Parents seem optimistic they can get those numbers above 80% by October.

“Why not give it more time to let the school’s adjust, get things going instead of 3 weeks, change something again, change something again,” said Struck

Weldon is convinced students are most focused on getting back into their classrooms. “They were so happy to be back in school that I think I could have asked them to wear bee keeper suits,” said Weldon.

The state says it will revisit the mask mandate periodically and make changes if needed based on the health data.

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