Below is information on the mask policy for students attending the hybrid option during Stage 1 of the 2020-21 school year. This information is intended to clarify the district’s expectations of students and staff in the classroom as we begin the 2020-21 school year.

The district’s policy follows the New York State guidelines that masks are required for all students and staff. This information can be found on page 9 of the district’s re-opening plans. The mask policy states:

• All students and staff members are required to wear cloth face coverings, unless they are not medically able to tolerate doing so, as per documentation from a health care provider;
• Masks must be worn whenever an individual is within 6 feet of someone, including In hallways, restrooms, and in other congregate settings, including buses;
• Students and staff can take a break from wearing masks when 6 feet apart in the classroom; masks need to be in the “ready position” for all;
• All individuals in school facilities and on school grounds must be prepared to put on a face covering if another person unexpectedly cannot socially distance.

Will students have to wear masks while sitting at their desks in the classroom, 6 feet apart?
Yes. The district is following the state recommendations that masks be worn at all times. However, frequent mask breaks will be held throughout the day when socially distanced in the classroom. Please see below for additional details.

Can you elaborate on mask breaks?
Mask breaks will be scheduled frequently throughout the school day with close attention to the context of age and developmental appropriateness. The expectations of our teaching staff is that reasonable, realistic and frequent mask breaks will be held while students are socially distanced in the classroom. However, students and staff must have their masks in the “ready” position during these mask breaks.