As we head into our first official break of 2022, I wish to share a few important items with the WRSD community.
Last week, the Commissioner of Education, Jeff Riley, announced that the state mask mandate for schools will not be renewed after it expires on February 28th. Click here to view the letter from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) shared with all school districts.
Throughout the pandemic, our district has operated in accordance with the direction and guidance of DESE and the state Department of Public Health (DPH) in determining the best course of action for our students, staff, and school community. After consulting with our local Boards of Health, reviewing our data related to COVID-19, and in light of the updated guidance from DESE/DPH, beginning on Monday, February 28, 2022, masks will be optional for all students and staff in our schools.
DESE has given us additional information about scenarios in which masking will still be required in schools, which are listed below:
On School Buses and Vans (per Federal Order).
When staff or students are visiting the School Nurse’s Office or Medical Waiting Room (per DESE/DPH).
After testing COVID positive students/staff must complete a 5-day isolation period and then wear a mask for an additional 5 days, except when eating, drinking, or outdoors (per DESE/DPH). See WRSD COVID-19 Quarantine Protocols
Individuals who experience COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and obtain testing. If they receive a negative result and their symptoms improve ( including remaining fever-free for a 24 hours period without fever-reducing medication), they can return to school but should also wear a mask until their symptoms fully resolve (per DESE/DPH).
People who are unvaccinated should continue to wear masks in school settings (per DESE/DPH).
In our WRSD School Opening Plan, we have identified quarterly district-wide character traits. The 2nd quarter focused on being caring, empathic, and compassionate, and these traits are an important backdrop as we move into optional masking district-wide. Any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face higher risk from COVID-19, will be supported in that choice. Additionally, those who choose to not wear a mask during the school day will be supported in that choice as well (see the exceptions in which masking listed above).
Our School Opening Plan has also focused on increasing a sense of belonging among our students and faculty/staff, as well as prioritizing student-teacher relationships. As we acclimate to this change in our schools, it is also an opportunity for us to come together as school communities; focusing on what we all have in common.
As a district, we will continue to provide the multiple mitigation measures that are currently in place, including at-home test kit distribution (staff & students), symptomatic testing in the schools, pooled testing, providing masks which are still available to staff and students upon request, maintaining good hand hygiene practices, and staying home when sick.
WRSD Testing Program - Information
In-School COVID-19 Positive Cases
Community Cases and Vaccination Rates
COVID-19 Quarantine Protocols
Self-Screening Tool
I hope that all of you take time to enjoy the next week and we all look forward to students and staff returning on the 28th. Have a safe and enjoyable break.
Sincerely,
Darryll McCall
Superintendent
