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Delta parent hoping more students start wearing masks

The lack of masks in classrooms is a bit nerve-raking. That’s what Rhonda Carriere is saying regarding what her daughter, a Delta high school student is saying after her first week of classes.
school masks
Even though there's other safety procedures, masks are still not mandatory in B.C. school districts. The B.C. Teachers Federation has been calling for a more stringent policy.

The lack of masks in classrooms is a bit nerve-raking.

That’s what Rhonda Carriere is saying regarding what her daughter, a Delta high school student is saying after her first week of classes.

Concerned many students and even some teachers aren’t wearing masks in the confined space of classes, Carriere noted her daughter, who wears a mask, found it a bit unsettling.

Although the district has new safety measures and protocols, Carriere hopes the school district can somehow encourage their use, even though it’s currently optional.

“It is a bit frustrating and I wish the school, even though it’s not mandated, can find a way to encourage it. I know it’s not possible in a class with 30 kids being physically, appropriately distanced and I know in grades 8 to 10 there’s no measure other than keeping them in the same learning group,” she told the Optimist.

Carriere’s other ideas include installing more Plexiglass barriers, the district providing face shields or masks and microphones for teachers, as well, providing Lysol wipes at the door so that students can clean their own desk and chair surfaces when they arrive in the classroom.

The education ministry last Friday said early attendance numbers show more than 85 per cent of K-12 public school students returned for in-class learning.

However, the BCTF has applied to the province’s Labour Relations Board to ensure schools are safe places for both staff and students.

The application notes members “have significant concerns about the inconsistent and inadequate implementation of government-mandated health and safety measures which do not meet the protections promised in the spring and summer.”

Federation president Teri Mooring also sent a letter to Minister of Education Rob Fleming seeking specific actions to address what the union claims are inconsistent ways school districts are addressing health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because your Ministry failed to issue clear directives, crucial decisions have been left to the discretion of school districts. As a result, we see vastly different policies and practices across the province, resulting in significant inequities for students and staff. This is causing confusion, stress, and a downward slide in working and learning conditions,” wrote Mooring.

She also expressed concern that not enough effort has been taken to reduce class sizes.

In a message to parents last week, Delta School District superintendent Doug Sheppard said they understand there may be rumours in the community regarding potential COVID-19 cases.

He said parents can rest assure that if a member of the school community were to test positive for COVID-19, Fraser Health would follow up directly with any individuals who may have been exposed, and that the district is committed to open and transparent communication with staff and families.

The district will work with Fraser Health to share information on COVID-19 exposures at the schools/district sites and those it may impact, he said, adding that school exposure information will also be posted online through Fraser Health and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

The health region last week launched a new COVID-19 school exposures webpage.

Fraser Health notes children can get COVID-19 and experience symptoms, but they are not the primary drivers of the epidemic.