Sent via SchoolMessenger on July 11, 2021.
On July 7, 2021, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued an email to all school districts and BOCES, announcing that due to the low rates of COVID-19 transmission, school districts may decide to implement revised masking policies for summer school programs this summer that are consistent with the archived Interim Guidance for Child Care, Day Camp and Overnight Camp Programs during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
This change in NYSDOH guidance permits the District to strongly recommend, but not to require that masks be worn by unvaccinated students while in summer school. Please note, however, that masks must still be worn by unvaccinated students during transportation associated with summer school programs.
In light of this guidance and the low COVID-19 positivity rate in the region, the District is modifying its COVID-19 related protocols effective tomorrow, Monday, July 12, to strongly encourage, but not to require that unvaccinated students wear masks while at summer school programs.
Please note that unvaccinated faculty and staff will still be required to wear masks while indoors (except when eating, drinking, or taking a mask break).
While engaged in outdoor activities, masks will not be required for vaccinated or unvaccinated students, faculty and staff.
The District will continue to honor the rights of individuals who choose to wear masks in both the indoor and outdoor settings despite this change in state guidance for the summer.
The District will also continue to implement layered strategies, including screenings and proper hand hygiene, to mitigate against the resurgence of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Please note that this new state guidance is applicable only to summer school programs. We await updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the NYSDOH for the 2021-22 school year.