The new school year began for four more Long Island school districts Tuesday, including the Plainedge School District.

The district was one of several that originally said masks would be optional. However, the state mandate enforced masking regardless of vaccination status.

The school decided on Monday to make masks mandatory, citing the Gov. Kathy Hochul's mandate.

The school’s COVID-19 protocol is now that all students, staff and visitors must wear a mask in the building regardless of vaccination status. Masks must also be worn on school buses.

In addition, school officials say students are now required to maintain a 3-foot distance.

Some learned about the change to masking late that had some parents scrambling.

"Literally, like last night at 8 o'clock my mom had to like drop off a mask because I didn't have one," said Plainedge High School Junior Jessica Carra.

Some parents said they expected the reversal on the decision because of how the pandemic has evolved.

"Didn't even bother me in the least because, like I say, whatever is safer is better," said parent Linda Abatangelo.

Others say they were frustrated the school waited until the last minute to update the important guidance.

"When the governor made the announcement ,they should have been preparing us, saying that it was going to take place," said parent Mike Mieto.

"I think it's ridiculous that not even 24 hours before the start of school they reneged on their opening plan and are now forcing masks on kids. That's our choice," said Enzo Iadevaia.

Parents like Chris Cippola said they felt let down by the district that previously vowed to fight for the option to go maskless.

"I'm walking up to that school and dropping my daughter off without a mask. There is no one at that school that is going to tell me to put a mask on my daughter," Cippola said.

News 12 Long Island was scheduled to speak with the superintendent about back to school, but he canceled, refusing to speak about masks and the changing guidelines.