March 8, 2022
Dear Families, Staff, and Students:
The MSAD#17 Board of Directors voted to change the districtp's universal mask mandate to a mask optional policy. Effective immediately, face masks will be optional in all MSAD #17 facilities and on all district owned transportation. In the event that our students and staff are interacting with another school district or in a facility with mask mandates in effect during a school sponsored event, face masks must be worn. This may include students participating in athletic events and school sponsored field trips, etc.
This decision comes as a huge relief to many. For others, the lifting of the mandate creates concern. All staff and students who prefer to wear masks are encouraged to do so. Faculty, staff, and students who chose to wear masks will be supported during this transition. We will ensure that each personal decision is treated with respect. Staff, however, will not be expected to enforce a family’s decision to require mask wearing.
We will remain mask optional as long as the prevalence of the disease and hospital admission rates decline. The updated procedures are outlined below.
If a student or staff member tests positive:
They need to quarantine for at least five days and until their symptoms improve.
Upon returning to school after isolation, wearing a well-fitting mask for an additional five days (until day 10) is required at all times when around others indoors, except when eating or drinking. Students and staff will be required to maintain social distancing of 6ft when eating or drinking.
We will follow these procedures for close contacts:
If a student or staff member is a close contact and vaccinated or has had a documented case of Covid-19 in the past 90 days, they will not need to be quarantined.
If a student or staff member is a close contact and unvaccinated, they need to quarantine as soon as they are aware they are a close contact. Please contact your school nurse before attending school.
When returning to school after isolation, wearing a well-fitting mask for an additional five days (until day 10) is required at all times when around others indoors, except when eating or drinking. Students and staff will be required to maintain social distancing of 6ft when eating or drinking.
We recognize that this is sudden and can be confusing. Please call your school nurse if you have questions. We appreciate your continued support of our school district as we navigate this situation. Thank you in advance for your kindness when speaking with school staff about this issue.
Sincerely,
Heather Manchester
Assistant Superintendent