By Dani Heller
Throughout this atypical school year, “Mask Breaks” have been added to the Irvington High School schedule. These breaks take place every other period, and provide students with a much needed breath of fresh air after wearing their masks for hours on end. Socially distant squares are spray painted onto the grass in the quad area, to allow students to remove their masks in a safe manner.
However, as the days get colder, there is uncertainty about how the mask breaks may change in the cold winter months. The teachers will have discretion over how mask breaks will occur, whether that means outside, in the classroom, or eliminating the breaks altogether.
Most students are very fond of mask breaks, as they provide an opportunity to safely eat a snack, hydrate, and engage in conversation. This year has been isolating to all, especially students. Inside the classroom, what used to be tables comprised of four or five desks have now been replaced with socially distant individual desks, and this, along with the lack of social interaction outside of school, has created a large desire for communication, which is able to occur without any danger during these alloted mask breaks.
English teacher Ms. Ippolito believes mask breaks to be extremely important, and consistently makes time during her classes to take a much needed break outside.
“Being masked all day is draining — I find it difficult to stay masked for multiple periods in a row, and I am sure my students do too.”
She has even recognized another advantage of mask breaks, stating, “Also, I have found the mask break time to be a fantastic opportunity to chit chat with and get to know students outside the classroom.”
Ms. Ippolito believes that the mental health of her students should take priority.
“Taking the time to get the kids some air and a chance to have a water break is far more important than the five minutes of instruction we miss by doing so.”
She will also continue to hold her mask breaks outdoors during the colder winter months.
“I have been bundling up and plan to keep taking mask breaks in colder weather. I’ll encourage students to bring coats to class so they are prepared for cold temps, and kids who want to stay inside are welcome to do so. The benefits of the mask breaks outweighs the inconvenience of being chilly.”
