PHOTOGRAPHER MIKAYLA OLAVE – Students are still mandated to wear masks on campus for the remainder of the semester. Areas to study and do homework have mask requirements.
ANA HOLGUIN GOMEZ – EDUCATION EDITOR
Due to the COVID-19 world wide pandemic business, schools and others were shut down, leaving only essential buildings open. All functions were cancelled and a lot was shifted online; this included most schools across the world. The city of Grand Junction followed the same guidelines. In August, all public schools in District 51 (D51) re-opened with the option of online learning as well.
Schools reopened in August but there were several concerns of how the pandemic would be handled. In the D51 weekly superintendent update, the board states issues that are being addressed and updates on COVID -19.
Masks are required for all students. Because of this notion, several parents expressed their concerns of how the prolonged use of face masks would affect students, especially those with medical conditions. The current protocol allows accommodations for the students to be made; but “by attending in-person learning, students, families, and staff agree to follow all school safety, health, and hygiene practices” says Superintendent, Dr. Diana Sirko. If a student forgets or fails to stick to protocols, steps will be taken to ensure the safety and health of the community.
These include:
- Masks/Face coverings will be provided to students who need one.
- Conversations will be held with students and families about the need to protect our community.
- If the student is unwilling to follow safety protocols, support will be given to families to transition to the D51 Online Program.
“By following our district protocols for safety, health and hygiene, we hope to keep our learning community safe so that in-person learning may continue throughout the 2020-2021 school year” says Dr. Diana Sirko.
By having these preventive protocols in place, it keeps children safe. Now that vaccine distribution is increasing COVID-19 restrictions will change. All staff in the D51 area having been given the option to be vaccinated and starting April 16th the state wide mask mandate will be lifted, but businesses have the choice to continue mask use in their business. What does this mean for schools?
“Middle and high school students will continue to wear their masks at all times (except during lunch and designated mask breaks). Elementary students must also wear masks, but can remove them when students are in their designated cohorts” says Dr. Diana Sirko. Though there are district wide regulations, each school has the ability to decide to implement additional safety measures.
For more information check with your school for further details.
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