Prior to returning to school tomorrow we would like to share some additional and clarifying information in relation to the recent court ruling on masking and quarantine. We are aware of the ruling, and we are monitoring the situation. We are aware the State has moved for a stay, and are awaiting further word on what will happen. In the meantime, the District will abide by the Order. The District will keep the community apprised when changes are made. This Temporary Restraining Order on masking and close contact quarantine is temporary and is not the final word on these matters and in fact could be reversed, stopped or remain in force in the days to come.
Until we have some final decisions we understand there are many questions our families have at this time.
To begin, The district has been and remains committed to being open for in-person learning after the initial outbreak and we have worked diligently to remain open for in-person learning throughout the pandemic to better serve our students and families. The district has followed changing CDC recommendations since the beginning of the pandemic. The recommended mitigations include universal indoor masking by all students, staff, teachers, and visitors to our school, regardless of vaccination status. In compliance with the court’s order, beginning tomorrow, the use of universal masking is highly recommended for all staff and students but is not required within the building. Additionally, while the latest ruling diminishes current quarantine rules, those rules do not suggest that a child who is ill cannot be sent home and asked not to return until the illness has passed and the child is fever free for 24 hours. The school continues to have a duty to keep children safe and as such will follow prior established guidelines for students who are ill and/or have a fever. The district will still maintain our ability to test students on a voluntary basis for parents if their students have been in contact with positive cases or are exhibiting symptoms. We will also continue the voluntary Shield Testing on Thursday of each week.
As we move forward, please have patience, it is likely that a resolution to this issue will be presented in the near future and at that time we will continue to follow State and Local laws and the court’s decision. Additionally, our practices will focus on safety for our students and providing a quality learning environment. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your building principal or myself at your convenience.
Until we have some final decisions we understand there are many questions our families have at this time.
To begin, The district has been and remains committed to being open for in-person learning after the initial outbreak and we have worked diligently to remain open for in-person learning throughout the pandemic to better serve our students and families. The district has followed changing CDC recommendations since the beginning of the pandemic. The recommended mitigations include universal indoor masking by all students, staff, teachers, and visitors to our school, regardless of vaccination status. In compliance with the court’s order, beginning tomorrow, the use of universal masking is highly recommended for all staff and students but is not required within the building. Additionally, while the latest ruling diminishes current quarantine rules, those rules do not suggest that a child who is ill cannot be sent home and asked not to return until the illness has passed and the child is fever free for 24 hours. The school continues to have a duty to keep children safe and as such will follow prior established guidelines for students who are ill and/or have a fever. The district will still maintain our ability to test students on a voluntary basis for parents if their students have been in contact with positive cases or are exhibiting symptoms. We will also continue the voluntary Shield Testing on Thursday of each week.
As we move forward, please have patience, it is likely that a resolution to this issue will be presented in the near future and at that time we will continue to follow State and Local laws and the court’s decision. Additionally, our practices will focus on safety for our students and providing a quality learning environment. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your building principal or myself at your convenience.