I hope that everyone is enjoying the day. I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify the District's position on the use of masks for students and staff. Last week, The Centers for Disease Control updated its guidance noting that fully vaccinated individuals would no longer be required to wear masks indoors or outdoors. Our direction on Covid-19 related health matters must come from the New York State Department of Health, which has not adopted this same guidance. The most current guidance on mask compliance can be found at this link from the New York State Department of Health on page 9.  I have included a summary of that section below. 

• Face masks are required at all times, except for meals.

Responsible Parties will need to consider and address developmental appropriateness, feasibility, and ability to implement such policy in a safe, consistent manner.

Students who are unable to medically tolerate a mask, including students where such mask would impair their physical health or mental health are not subject to the required use of a mask.

Responsible Parties should offer assistance to students who may have difficulty in adapting to wearing a mask.

Responsible Parties must train all students, faculty, and staff on how to adequately put on, take off, clean (as applicable), and discard PPE, including but not limited to, appropriate masks. This training should be extended to contractors and vendors, if the Responsible Parties will be supplying the contractors and vendors with PPE. 

As a result, all students and staff will be required to continue wearing masks regardless of their vaccination status while on campus.  This includes both indoor and outdoor activities. We will be sure to provide more information if and when the NYS Department of Health provides the District with updated guidance regarding masks. Please contact your child's school nurse with any specific questions or concerns related to your child.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued patience as we work towards supporting the health and wellness of our students and staff.

Stay well!
Very truly yours,

Dr. Peter Giarrizzo
Superintendent of Schools