On March 5, Melissa Schools shared an announcement about the new rules and regulations that correspond with Governor Greg Abbott’s new decision on public capacity and masks.

Melissa ISD made arrangements for employees to be able to get a free COVID-19 vaccine starting on the morning of March 15.

Upon the return from spring break, while face coverings became optional for students and faculty, the same guidelines remain in place for social distancing and cleaning of the desks and tables. Teachers and staff members are encouraging students to respect the decisions students have made whether they decide to wear a face covering or not.

“I wear my mask when I feel like it’s necessary,” junior Chaney Shaw said. “Myself and others might feel safer and comfortable wearing them while the pandemic is still out there.”

Some students agree that wearing a mask is necessary for safety, while others believe they are not.

“Although this might potentially be putting people at risk and increasing COVID-19 cases because people aren’t wearing them and might not always be socially distant, I think it gives students a feeling of freedom when they are not wearing them,” Shaw added. “Some students might feel like they are being put in danger because students made the decision not to wear them.”

Although masks are now optional in Texas with businesses able to operate at 100% capacity, this does not mean that it cannot change in the next few months. Students will still be asked to take precautions and be mindful of others and their decisions.

For more resources go to the following links:

Gov. Greg Abbott says he’s rescinding statewide mask mandate and capacity limits on businesses

Community Update: Masks Optional, Employee Vaccines & 2-Hour Delay on March 15 |
MelissaISD.org