masks in schools

Mask wearing in Waterbury Public Schools is now optional come March 7, according to a notice sent out by Dr. Verna Ruffin, Waterbury’s superintendent. According to the release, masks are still recommended, however, the decision is optional starting Monday for students and staff within school buildings and individuals who use bus transportation. “We will continue to show mutual respect and…

There is a growing debate in Waterbury among parents calling on the district to change their decision on mask inside schools. On Thursday afternoon, parents in favor of removing the mask mandate inside Waterbury schools gathered to call for the district to make changes. Chants of “Unmask Our Kids” were loud in front of Waterbury City Hall on Tuesday afternoon….

Waterbury is still requiring masks to be worn in schools and families in the city had a rally to end this mandate.

Students said they have been waiting for the day they would be able to take their masks off in the classroom. That day has finally come.

Mask wearing in schools is now optional for many districts. Psychologists explain how to navigate this new change and how parents can discuss this with their children.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health released new guidance for schools about the use of face masks.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health released new guidance for schools about the use of face masks. DPH officials said boards of education, district administrators and other local decision-makers should consider several factors before deciding whether or not masks should be required indoors. The department provided questions for schools to consider when thinking about COVID-19 policy changes, including mask mandates…

Starting March 1, school districts will have the choice to mandate mask wearing. Students and parents say it should be left up to them.

There’s a shifting narrative on COVID-19 restrictions across the country among Democratic officials and candidates

Students from across the state are speaking at the Capitol to tell their stories about having to wear masks in schools. These students are urging legislators to end the mask mandate.

“Instead of a warm smile, I’m greeted with ‘you got a mask?’ or ‘fix your mask’ or ‘sanitize your hands,” said Alexios Selearis, a 5th grader from Hamden. Selearis is one of the eight students who spoke at the Connecticut State Capitol on Wednesday about the statewide mask mandate in schools. Governor Ned Lamont has proposed extending the mandate...

School districts across the state have to decide by the end of the month what their mask policy in schools will be.

Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive powers are ending on Feb. 15 unless lawmakers vote to extend them. The Public Health Committee held a virtual hearing on Tuesday, giving legislators an opportunity to ask questions before making a decision on continuing 11 of Lamont’s executive orders. One of those orders is for the mask mandate to continue in schools statewide until Feb….

New Jersey will end its school mask mandate on March 7, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday. Though the state mandate is ending, Murphy said school districts can continue their own mandates if they want — and they are not permitted to ban masks, either. The New Jersey Education Association — with which Murphy is closely allied — issued a statement…

Laughter interrupted a teen’s heartfelt speech at a Tennessee school board meeting as he spoke about his late grandmother who died last year from COVID-19.

Grady Knox, a high school junior, was speaking in support of a school mask mandate at a Tennessee school board meeting when some in attendance began to laugh after he shared that his grandmother died of COVID-19.

Boston’s indoor mask mandate took effect at 8 a.m. Friday for everyone over the age of 2. This means masks must be worn in businesses, restaurants, and gyms. There are exceptions, however, such as private buildings and places of worship. The mandate is in response to the delta variant, which is the more contagious strain of COVID. It is also…