Masks & PPE
Key Recommendations
Students and staff of all ages should wear masks throughout the day, including on the bus and outside if distance can’t be maintained.
Note: Masks for ALL ages is best practice. Some places and countries have allowed Pre-K through Grade 1 to be exempt. However, all ages should wear masks on school buses.
Face shields should not be used as a replacement for wearing masks/face coverings due to their limited ability to fully protect against droplets.
Consider strategies for building student buy-in/cultural norms that reinforce mask wearing.
Use different modes of communication and messaging in schools to encourage mask wearing (mail, email, text, virtual meetings, infographics, social media).
Consider taking a 15-minute mask break at least every four hours, assuming physical distance can be maintained. This can be done during recess, meals, or movement breaks.
Increase frequency of mask breaks during times of higher heat or physical activity (~every 20 minutes outside).
If mask breaks are indoors, ensure adequate ventilation, filtration, or open windows
Important Considerations
What preparation can be given to teachers for classroom management of mask wearing?
How can we provide masks for families that can not afford them?
How will students and staff access back-up masks at school if they misplace or forget their mask? Where will these masks be stored?
Starting Point Tools
Student “Mask Culture” Toolkit
Developed by the Parabola Project, this toolkit helps students and parents
