Some opponents of a state requirement that masks be worn inside school buildings predicted it would drive students out of classrooms into other educational settings to avoid the face coverings.
But, after a group of Greater Latrobe students staged a walkout to protest that mandate, few district learners have traded in-person classroom instruction for a maskless alternative, according to administrators.
“Some went to the eCat Academy, a couple went to cyberschool and a couple did homeschooling,” Superintendent Georgia Teppert said of those students who are learning at home.
This fall, Greater Latrobe shifted back to full-time in-person instruction from last school year’s hybrid blend that alternated days in the classroom with remote learning. At the same time, the district stopped providing online lessons led by Greater Latrobe faculty, but students still may opt for the eCat Online Academy, which offers virtual courses through a partnership with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit.
“I don’t know that enrollment has changed much from last year to this,” said Greater Latrobe Assistant Superintendent Mike Porembka. “We’re kind of where we’ve been the last five years or so.”
Of the 3,970 students residing in the district, Porembka reported there were 377 in educational settings outside of Greater Latrobe classrooms on Sept. 1, nearly a week before the mask mandate went into effect. That included some students enrolled in private schools, some placed in alternative instructional settings by arrangement with the district and others learning through independent cyber schools or through homeschooling.
Objections to wearing masks in school have included complaints that they can cause anxiety and interfere with breathing and discerning facial cues.
Two high school seniors who are student representatives to the school board told the panel they are glad to be back in school full-time, even if they have to wear masks.
“I think everything went really well,” Paige Kunkelman said of her senior year so far. “I’m super glad to be back in the classroom.”
Isaac Krom said he appreciates the renewed camaraderie and ability to hold planning sessions with fellow members of high school clubs that couldn’t meet last year because of covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
Board Vice President Paul McCommons, the only school board member not to don a mask at meetings, said a breathing difficulty prevented him from doing so.
“I’m not against wearing masks,” he said.