10-minute mask breaks not mandatory

According to the district’s Health and Safety Plan, teachers may offer mask breaks to students if they are six feet apart.

High school Co-Principal Andrew Rantz said that it is up to teachers to fit mask breaks into their schedule.

“I wouldn’t say they are discouraged or encouraged, but rather it is simply something that is permitted,” he said. Mask breaks can be taken indoors, but social distancing rules must be applied, added Mr. Rantz.

Mr. Rantz said there is no designated place for mask breaks or a specific door to use for mask breaks. When it gets cold out, mask breaks can be taken inside the school as long as students are able to social distance, he added.

The time limit for socially distanced mask breaks is ten minutes, said Mr. Rantz. According to a PhillyVoice article from Aug.18, the Pennsylvania Department of Education suggested that “face-covering breaks can be incorporated into the school day, allowing students to remove their masks for up to 10 minutes if they are at least six feet apart.”

Spanish Teacher Ms. Christine Rauch said she offers mask breaks to her students daily. “I feel it is important in a language class where students are expected to speak a lot to also have a chance to breathe and get some fresh air whenever possible,” she said.

Social Studies Teacher Mr. Ronald Schultz said he does not currently give mask breaks, explaining that they would result in too much lost instructional time.

“I can’t really afford a 10 – 15-minute break to go outside,” Mr. Schultz said. “My students receive breaks from instruction as we transition during class, or in the last five minutes of class but I feel like mask breaks would be too disruptive in terms of what I am trying to accomplish with my instruction.”

Mr. William Campbell, Dean of Students for the Middle School and High School, said students and teachers are to follow the HSP and social distancing guidelines for mask breaks.