x
Breaking News
More () »

Masks are optional as students return to the classroom Wednesday in Rowan-Salisbury Schools

On Wednesday, around 19,000 students return to five days a week in-person classes.

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Around 19,000 Rowan-Salisbury Schools students return to five days a week of in-person classes Wednesday, and the decision over whether students wear a mask indoors will be left up to parents. 

The district decided to make mask-wearing optional for its students, teachers and anyone who visits a Rowan-Salisbury campus this school year. But there's a bit of a mixed message from the district, as they said anyone who rides a school bus is required to wear a mask. 

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.     

This comes as COVID-19 cases, including the more transmissible delta variant, continue to rise in Rowan County. Overall, the number of cases is considered "slight" by county health officials. 

So ultimately it will be up to parents to decide what works best for their children.

"I sent my son to school today with a mask because a lot of people are catching coronavirus," said parent Derya Jenkins whose son returned to Granite Quarry Elementary School for the first time since spring of 2020. "They're going into an open setting so you have to protect your kids at all times."

Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter   

RELATED: Masks are optional as students return to the classroom Wednesday in Rowan-Salisbury Schools

RELATED: VERIFY: Yes, 3 feet is a safe enough distance for students

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts  

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.  



Before You Leave, Check This Out