While last week’s new optional masking policy may seem like a factor that changes student life, teachers are equally affected.
For French teacher Mary Wittrock, the new policy is a welcome change.
“Our [COVID-19] numbers are way down, which is awesome, and I think at this point, it’s the right thing to do,” Wittrock said. “The people can choose.”
March 16th marks the two year anniversary of FCPS school shutdowns, and Wittrock said it consisted of hard work for many.
“Fairfax County has worked very hard, teachers, [and] the students have all done their part, which has just been amazing” Wittrock said. “So I’m hoping eventually we’re not going to have masks in school one day, and we can kind of get back somewhat to what it was like pre COVID.”
After months of either virtual learning or masked in-person learning, English teacher Timothy Ghazzawi said he has seen the new policy’s positive effects.
“I can tell that a lot of the kids who’ve chosen not to wear masks are just really happy to not have to wear them anymore, and seeing students happy makes me happy,” Ghazzawi said.
However, Ghazzawi said his decision about wearing a mask comes down to the comfortability of all his students.
“I don’t necessarily walk around in fear if I’m wearing or not wearing a mask, and I told my students that if they’re at my desk, it doesn’t matter to me whether they’re wearing a mask or not,” Ghazzawi said. “If I’m at a table group with at least one student wearing a mask, I’m going to choose to wear mine just to make sure that they’re feeling okay and safe.”
As spring approaches, the CDC predicts a lower number of reported COVID hospitalizations and deaths.