The days of student-filled classrooms are fast approaching once again, and for one student it’s an exciting, but not exactly cozy thought.
A number of students provided input to government and school board officials on what they think the return to school should look like back in July.
Molly Powers of Paradise, who is heading to Grade 9 at Mount Pearl Senior High next week, is one of those students.
(The NLESD lays out its plan in “A Safe Return to School.” View full information at this link.)
Powers says government and the NLESD took a number of recommendations from students like the mask policy.
Although she and her friends are not completely cozy with the plan, they are feeling much safer now that a plan is in place. She says mandatory masks in common areas are a good security blanket for most and they’re happy to be able to wear them. Powers says it certainly won’t be a normal year heading back to school in these conditions.
There is always another step to be taken when it comes to safety, according to Power. However, she believes the mask policy in schools highlights inclusivity.
Powers says mandatory masks are a great idea—and if she wants to wear one all day, she can. Not everyone is comfortable wearing a mask all day, so she believes not making people wear them in a classroom if they don’t want to includes everyone.
Despite some reservations, Powers says she and her friends are looking forward to seeing each other and getting back into a routine.
