Mask Mandate FAQs
Important Message
On Tuesday August 31st, Governor Wolf has announced a mandate that requires face masks to be worn by students and staff inside the school building and in childcare facilities, beginning Tuesday September 7th. Masks are not required outdoors.
Please know, while this new directive from the state has the potential to cause strong feelings and opinions, in some cases possibly anger, and in other cases some parents may feel relief. I share in your frustration. This is a directive from the state that has removed local control and is not an item that can be altered even by our school board.
I ask that you do not make any educational decisions at this point. It has been great having our students back this school year, which is where they need to be. I feel strongly that being in school is what is best for our students physically, socially, emotionally, and academically. Students have proven that even during the most difficult times they can overcome challenges, and I am confident that our students will again successfully overcome this temporary hurdle.
On a positive note, the state issued mask mandate will virtually eliminate any students from being identified as close contacts which allows students to take full advantage of in person learning on a consistent full-time basis without interruption. This also allows students to continue with all extra-curricular activities without interruption associated with close contact quarantine.
The Order recognizes that face covering requirements will NOT go on forever. The Department of Health has shared they will continue to evaluate community transmission rates, vaccination data, and other indicators, and will provide an update by October 1, 2021, to make decisions going ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jason Bottiglieri
Superintendent of Schools
Every teacher, child/student, staff, or visitor working, attending, or visiting our schools are required to wear a face covering indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
“Face covering” means covering of the nose and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. A “face covering” can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen. A “face covering” may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or be improvised from household items, including, but not limited to, scarfs, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels.
Masks are NOT REQUIRED for the following:
- while eating and drinking
- while playing an instrument that would be obstructed by the face covering, where students can maintain a physical distance of six feet from all other individuals
- while participating in high intensity activities, such as gym class, where students can maintain a physical distance of six feet from all other individuals
- while students are participating in sports, whether indoors or outdoors
- during outdoor recess
- during mask breaks
Other exemptions include:
- If wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability.
- When working alone and isolated from interaction with other people with little or no expectation of in-person interaction.
- If an individual is communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired or has another disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Students/staff who have COVID-19 symptoms should always stay home when sick or symptomatic.
Buses will continue to be cleaned and disinfected daily.
- Classrooms and restrooms will continue to be disinfected regularly.
- High-touch areas will continue to be disinfected throughout the day.
- Disinfectant spray/wipes will continue to be provided in each classroom.