Communication from GGUSD

How to Talk to Children about Changes to Mask Guidelines - March 15, 2022

Dear Families,

While some students may feel relieved about changes to mask mandates in schools, others may feel anxious.  Regardless of the reasons students and families may have for their mask choice, it is important to respect each other’s concerns, needs, feelings, and opinions.  

The following are some ways families can talk with students about mask changes in school:

• Inform your child about changes to the mask guidance that states masks are strongly recommended but not required indoors at schools and why the state updated its guidance. 
• Ask your child how they feel about the changes.
• Discuss why your child may want to continue masking.
• Discuss why your child may not want to continue masking.
• Emphasize the importance of respecting the concerns and opinion of others.
• Let your child know that some students and staff may or may not be wearing a mask and that assumptions regarding someone’s beliefs or health status based upon their choice should not be made.
• It may be helpful to remind your child that anyone who wishes to wear a mask at any time for any reason may do so.

Also remind your child that GGUSD has a variety of effective health and safety practices in place, including stringent cleaning and disinfecting, upgraded ventilation to maximize the circulation of outdoor air, frequent hand washing, free COVID-19 test kits, and that schools continue to track positive cases to ensure that those with COVID-19 stay home. 

If your student would like to talk with a counselor or mental health staff, please contact the school office with this request so that we can help coordinate.

Our families have an important role to play in helping their children be aware of other people’s feelings, concerns, ideas and reasons for why some may choose to mask or to not mask. 

Thank you for all you do to support our efforts in fostering safe and welcoming schools.