BY ANDY GARDNER
North Country This Week

MASSENA -- District officials are considering two changes to their reopening safety plan that would address temperature checks and mask wearing.

In his August 7 Board of Education update, Superintendent Pat Brady calls the blueprint “a living document as information about the virus changes frequently and we receive continued input that may impact our operational thinking.”

Brady’s update says although parents will be expected to take their children’s temperatures each morning, the district will buy temperature scanners. Parents and guardians will be required to additionally fill out a daily health screening at home before students come to school.

The second change, with regard to mask wearing, would have students wearing a face covering all day, except during designated breaks.

“We are strongly considering that masks will be worn all day with periodic masks break provided. The latter is being recommended by both the Governor’s office and St. Lawrence County Public Health,” Brady’s update said.

During the Aug. 6 St. Lawrence County legislature meeting, the county Board of Health president spoke and supported students wearing masks at all times, unless during lunch or a designated break.

“I actually would say from the experience we’ve had that kids will do better if they just wear a mask when they’re inside, or outside not physically distanced," Dr. Andrew Williams told the legislators. “The idea of the kids taking the masks on and off on and off all day is not a good idea."

The district is holding online meetings for parents to learn about the reopening process.

Virtual meetings will be Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m., and Aug. 13 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. The meetings will be available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWu0AqaHRio-b0wgVZgFng