VALPARAISO â Wearing face masks will be recommended, but optional for students at Union Township School Corp. next school year. According to the district's Return to Learn plan on its website, students will learn in person unless staffing can't be maintained or the health department advises a closure. Similarly, masks will be optional in school and at extracurricular activities unless state or local health officials direct otherwise. However, some mitigation strategies prompted by the pandemic will continue, such as reduced capacity at lunch tables and increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. The plan says hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be taught and encouraged.Â