SED: No Changes to Mask-Wearing Yet
NYSED issued a statement at 1:45 pm to clarify expectations
June 6, 2021
I am writing to share an update on the news of masks being lifted in schools. At this point there is no formal guidance issued that changes the state requirements and we will follow our regular protocols regarding mask-wearing until further notice.
The New York State Department of Education issued a release this afternoon stating that “schools should continue to operate under their existing procedures until further notice. No changes have been, or will be, made by the Executive until after Monday, June 7 to afford the CDC an opportunity to respond to the letter.”
Please see below for a screenshot of the full email sent by NYSED this afternoon.
If you are confused by what you have seen in the news, read in the paper, or gleaned off of social media - I get it - I am too! To be blunt, late on Friday afternoon with the announcement of a letter sent by Dr. Zucker to the CDC, the Governor’s office and Dr. Zucker really threw everyone for a loop and left most folks scratching their heads and scrambling to untangle what this meant.
If you have not yet read it, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker sent a letter to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Friday.
The NYSED email that came out at about 1:45 p.m. today (screenshot below) is in response to Dr. Zucker’s letter, and quite frankly the chaos that it prompted for the students, staff, and families of New York State public schools since late on Friday.
Please know I am following this closely and will communicate clear changes with you as soon as they are available. I just met with Franklin-Essex-Hamilton superintendents and have been in correspondence with the Hamilton County Department of Public Health, as well as the superintendents of Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Wells. I’ll continue to do my best to get you clear, helpful, and timely information as soon as it is available.
Thanks for your continued support. If I can give you one point to take away - nothing has changed regarding mask-wearing and if/when it does I will be in touch with you!
Any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ms. Noelle J. Short
Superintendent/Principal