The Effects on Students Unmasking

California Governor Newsom announced on Feb. 28 that masking would no longer be required in public schools. Two weeks later, students are seeing their friends’ faces in the classroom for the first time in over two years.

Despite the announcement, some school districts are hesitant to change their policies. Others such as Dos Palos Elementary couldn’t wait to unmask.

Principal Alec Grijalva says there has been little to no pushback from parents.

“The way that we rolled it out initially, they were given plenty of time,” Grijalva said. “They knew that it was coming. They were given time to prepare and plan for it. I think that helped ease it, but there will always be that uneasy feeling that maybe it isn’t safe.”

Some staff members are choosing to keep their masks on.

Alexis Lara, the school’s health technician, said Covid-19 does not affect her choice to wear her mask.

“Personally, I do like to keep my mask on just because there are still a lot of kids that are sick,” Lara said. “Regardless of Covid, there are a lot of illnesses out there. It is just to keep myself safe.”

Students have struggled to adjust to life at school with masks on. Some teachers argue that younger students are suffering the most because masks are stunting their academic growth.

“Letters. Sounds. Vocabulary. They can’t see your mouth. They can’t hear you. I can’t hear them because in first grade, a lot of kids still come in shy and reserved. It was very difficult,” said first-grade teacher Claudia Ramos.

Ramos added that she has already seen significant improvement in her students, and those who had fallen behind are making up a lot of ground.