Dear Parents/Guardians:
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo provided an update to the COVID-19 mask policy as it relates to schools. In his update, he announced that New York State would be dropping the requirement that students and staff wear masks during outdoor activities.
In his update he also noted that masks would remain mandatory inside school buildings. As has been our policy, the District waited until official guidance was provided before releasing any information. At approximately 8:30 PM last night official guidance was released to School Districts. The guidance does reflect a change which now reads:
“Effective June 7, 2021, face masks are not required to be worn outdoors on school grounds, including during outdoor school sports. However, Responsible Parties may choose to require face masks outdoors on school grounds subject to the parameters of this guidance. No student, teacher, staff member, or visitor may be prevented from wearing an acceptable face mask voluntarily on school grounds.”
Given the release of new guidance related to masking, and in consultation with Ontario County Public Health officials, and based on information we have received from our school physician, effective Wednesday, June 9, 2021, the Bloomfield Central School District will no longer require masks for students and staff taking part in outdoor activities such as recess, physical education classes, other outdoor instruction, athletics, etc. Students and staff may continue to wear masks during these activities if they choose.
While this is a change in guidance related to masking outdoors, please remember that students are still required to wear masks while on the bus and while inside the building.
The complete guidance document can be accessed here: INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION AT PRE-K TO GRADE 12 SCHOOLS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.
Our decision to put this in place beginning tomorrow, June 9, 2021, will allow parents ample opportunity to discuss this change with their child to ensure that each family can make the decision that they feel is best for them.
We continue to be optimistic that these incremental changes to state guidelines signal a potential return to a more “normal” school year in the fall. We continue to appreciate everyone’s patience as changes in guidance come to us, please know we will continue to keep you informed of any changes as soon as we receive them.
Thank you for reading, please take care, and as always, let us know if you need anything.
Andy Doell