Are Mask Breaks really that important? Do we really need them and are they even effective? Do students at Heritage High School even get mask breaks? How are teachers supposed to fit mask breaks into their limited Class time? These are all very important questions that people wonder about mask breaks since students are having to wear masks in school. Now you can finally get some answers. 

The CDC states that a layer of carbon dioxide can form in a mask; however, as long as a thick mask is not being worn, it’s not dangerous. The CDC website also recommends that if someone has a breathing deficiency, is lightheaded or unconscious a mask should not be worn. 

We interviewed senior Angel Luna and asked him about mask breaks.

On average how many mask breaks – not including lunch – are obtained in a day?

“Zero,” he replied.

Are mask breaks essential for good learning? Are mask breaks enjoyable? Should teachers give more mask breaks to students?

“Yes,” he responded to all three questions. 

Another student we interviewed was sophomore Knox Weindrof. He explained that he also never gets mask breaks, and that in order to succeed, he thinks mask breaks are very important. He said students should get more mask breaks. 

Our third interview was with senior Alejandro Lora. He told us that he also never receives mask breaks. He wants to get more mask breaks because he thinks it is effective for learning. 

Our final student interview was with freshman Laynee Asbill. She expressed that none of her teachers give her a mask break. She thinks mask breaks help us succeed with our work and that we should get more. 

But how do mask breaks fit into teachers’ limited class time?

Teachers on average have only 45-55 minutes of class time, but now they have even less time with the new guidelines to protect students from Covid-19. They have to wipe down desks at the beginning or end of class, create the online agenda for students, and make all of the assignments work on the computer.

“I try to gear it around the time in class and if my students are finished with their work,” Susan Keller, FCS teacher, said when asked how she fits mask breaks into her limited class time.

Two other teachers were not comfortable with being interviewed about this topic. 

In conclusion, students think that we need more mask breaks in order for us to succeed. Teachers agree with that, but they also have trouble fitting mask breaks in during class.