February 28, 2022
Kahok Families,
On Friday, February 25, 2022, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidance regarding masks and school buses. This updated CDC guidance no longer requires students to wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early child care programs.
Based on this new guidance, the district’s Return to Learn Plan will be updated. Changes are highlighted in purple below.
Face Coverings and P.P.E.
- Masks are strongly recommended to be worn indoors and on buses by all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to Pre-K-12 schools who are two years of age or older and medically able to tolerate a mask, regardless of vaccination status
- Masks will be available to students on school buses.
- Reasonable accommodations (clear masks, shields, etc.) will be made for students with disabilities in accordance with CDC guidelines and the ADA.
- While the district is strongly recommending masks per the CDC, District personnel will review appropriate accommodations and policy modifications for staff and students who have underlying health conditions. District personnel will be in contact to discuss varied mitigation strategies that may be used in these situations.
While this means students and staff are no longer required to wear face coverings while being transported to and from school or school-related activities on school buses, they have a choice. Please remind your child about the importance of honoring each other’s choices and treating everyone with respect.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions. We once again ask for your continued patience, as we expect the district’s Return to Learn Plan will continue to evolve in the future based on ongoing changes to CDC guidance.
Sincerely,
Mark B. Skertich, Ed.D.
Superintendent