Behind every mask there is a face, and behind that a story. We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.
Every year in July, August, and September parents prepare for back to school shopping. They get the list from the school, online, or a local store that provides the list courtesy of the school. It’s always the same, no matter what grade. Some of the items multiply in quantity, but the basics remain the same — notebook paper, pens, pencils, binders, composition notebook, glue, scissors, colors, colored pencils, and markers. There are extra items depending on electives and extra curricular classes. Now, a new “basic” that has been added are masks and the COVID 19 vaccine.
One is “required” and the other is optional. To some though, both are optional.
It may or may not impact your child’s ability to learn. It may not impact their educational journey.
BUT, if you’re a parent of a BIPOC student, the risk is far too great not to add these items to your school supply list.
I live in Louisiana where there is a mask mandate for all students. As a mom of a college student and two middle-schoolers, I want them to live a long and healthy life. So, my family and I prefer a mask over a breathing tube.
This year, my middle school children attend a new school and they can wear regular clothes versus uniforms. I remember shopping for uniforms and I had it all planned out.
Now, I’m starting over and I desperately need to figure out a new plan! Besides, they prefer wearing regular clothes instead of dealing with the restrictions of a uniform. Who wants to look like everyone else?
To match their energy, I bought them masks from Amazon that can be worn with any outfit. My daughter has some girly masks while my son has solid colors. And, the majority of their clothes were purchased from Amazon, Target, and JCPenny. And that was just to get them started for August and September!
No matter how I feel about wearing a mask, I wanted to make sure my children are fashionably protected with masks that can be worn with any outfit. When purchasing the masks, make sure to also get the filters that go inside the masks.
Wearing a mask is one less thing for my kids to worry about since it is a state mandate for all students. And, we all know how middle school can be — judgmental about outfits and that includes masks.
So parents and guardians, what’s your take on masks? If you or your child(run) wear a mask, do you have a preference on how it looks?
