Bringing back our students in phases has given us the opportunity to fine tune our safety protocols to ensure that our staff and students stay healthy. These protocols include: Health screenings and attestations, enhanced cleaning, hand hygiene, social distancing, and masks. It was recently brought to our attention that a few of our students have been wearing masks that are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We want to make sure everyone is safe and follows these guidelines:
Wearing Masks in the HSD
We expect that all staff, students, and school visitors wear the proper type of mask that fully covers the mouth and nose whenever they are on our campus. The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, such as on public transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.
Approved Masks
Beginning Monday, February 1 every student and staff member on a HSD campus will need to wear a type of mask recommended by the CDC. A poster that illustrates the appropriate type of masks (as well as those that will not be allowed) is available HERE. We ask that you please check that your student’s mask complies with CDC recommendations before sending your student to school for learning, support, or sports. The HSD would like families to know that using face shields and gaiters alone will not be allowed in our schools.
“What if my student does not wear the right type of mask?”
No worries. Our understanding of COVID is constantly changing as are the regulations meant to prevent the spread of this virus. We are all making this adjustment together. If your student wears a mask not recommended by the CDC, they will be provided with a disposable mask that complies with CDC guidelines.
The safety of our staff and students is one of our highest priorities. It is also a team effort. So we appreciate your flexibility and support as we update our health protocols.
For more information on masks:
In schools, teachers, visitors, volunteers and students are required to wear face coverings consistent with the Governor’s Proclamation 20-09.2 Phased Reopening of K-12 Schools, the K-12 Schools Summer Guidance and K-12 Fall 2020-2021 Guidance, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Reopening Washington Schools 2020 District Planning Guide.