FAQ's for Mask Mandate
September 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Greetings Panther Nation,
On August 31st, Governor Wolfe announced that masks will be required to be worn in all school buildings and child care facilities beginning September 7. On that day, my heart sunk to the bottom of my stomach.
I know many members of our community have strong feelings about this mandate. I share in the feelings of frustration that many of you may also be feeling. I was hopeful that we could have our students, your children, back to school without the required use of masks.
The new order from the State Department of Health has removed the authority from the local school boards in the masking mandate. As a Commissioned officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is my duty to uphold the law.
What is the best educational environment for your children? Only you can make that decision. Before you do, though, let me share some of my thoughts on why choosing in person instruction at Northeast Bradford School District is still the best option.
The number one factor that has the greatest impact on student achievement is their teacher. Yes! That’s right, a teacher has the greatest impact on a student’s achievement. Of course, there are other factors such as classroom management, a belief that all students can learn and parental engagement but the number one influence is quality instruction from a quality teacher. As you all know, Northeast Bradford is full of highly effective teachers! Last year’s data shows just how much of an impact in person, quality instruction had on our students.
So, please, before you make your decision, consider allowing your children to continue to remain in our classrooms where we will provide the best instruction and supports anyone could ask for.
Unfortunately, we must endure mitigation mandates again in 2021-2022, but let’s look at some of the flexibility the current mandate is providing.
- Students do not have to wear masks while outdoors, during recess or during athletic competitions and/or practices providing the host schools Health and Safety plan permits athletes to not wear a mask. Teachers and staff have been encouraged to increase access to instruction outside when weather permits.
- We also believe this mask policy will help us prevent the spread of COVID-19 while reducing the number of students and staff who need to quarantine due to being exposed to a positive case. If an unvaccinated individual is a close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, that individual does not need to quarantine when both people were wearing masks at the time. To that end, masks go a long way toward minimizing disruptions to teaching and learning.
- Wearing a mask also eliminates those disruptions in extracurricular activities we all experienced last school year.
After looking through the order there are provisions that recognize that face coverings will not be forever. It clearly mentions that the Department of Health will continue to evaluate community transmission rates, vaccination data, as well as other factors and will provide an update by October 1, 2021. By looking at these factors it will allow the DOH to make informed decisions on how to move forward.
Kindest Regards,
William J. Clark
WHAT IS THE MASKING REQUIREMENT?
WHAT IS CONSIDERED A FACE COVERING?
WHAT ARE THE EXCEPTIONS TO THE REQUIREMENT?
- during mask breaks
- while eating or drinking
- while outdoor recess
- while participating in sports or other high intensity activities such as gym class
- while playing an instrument that would be obstructed by the face covering, where students can maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from all other individuals.
Additional Exceptions:
- 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.
- When working alone in isolation.
- When wearing a facemask would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability.
Please Look under the COVID tab on our Website for information pertaining to the required documents. They will be found in resources and guidance.
ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS ON DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION?
A current Federal Order is still in effect and does require a Mask to be worn on school busses and school vans.
ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS WHILE PARTICIPATING IN ATHLETICS?
Note: if the school district you are competing against is the host school for the competition requires a mask then you must wear a mask .
ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK DURING LUNCH?
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN AS A RESULT OF THE NEW ORDER?
We ask that all students come to school prepared with their mask or approved face covering on Tuesday. We will provide regular mask breaks throughout the day to help our students adjust to the change. Please also note that masks will not be required outdoors.
If you do not want your child wearing a mask at school, please contact your school office and we will arrange an alternative learning environment for your student. This may include having your student attend school virtually.
We thank you for your understanding and support as we implement the governor’s mask requirement in our schools.