ALL ABOUT MASKS

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 cases across the State of Alaska (SOA), Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), and ASD have been dropping rapidly. Overall knowledge of COVID-19 and the availability of effective vaccines and treatments largely enable a return to normalcy in the classroom. With that, we want to honor the choice of every family and will move to parent-informed, optional mask wearing on 2/28/2022. As we transition, below is additional guidance for our families and school staff.

GENERAL MASKING GUIDANCE

ASD is moving to optional mask wear for staff and parent-informed optional mask wear for students in ASD facilities. ASD will continue to encourage staff and students to wear masks, especially if they present with any respiratory symptoms outside of a COVID diagnosis.

Students may be asked to wear a mask if symptomatic and waiting for parent pick up.

Consistent with recommendations from CDC on 2/25/2022, employees and students on school buses will have optional masking beginning 3/01/2022.

MASKING AFTER ISOLATION

ASD follows CDC guidance, staff and students returning from isolation following a positive COVID diagnosis will wear a mask days 6-10.

CLOSE CONTACT

ASD will not require tracking or communicating of close contacts. We will continue to encourage the use of masks, but will honor family choice in all areas except return from isolation.

MEDICAL MASK EXEMPTIONS

*There are no religious mask exemptions allowed at ASD at this time.

Under the 2/25/22 Mask Guidance update, Medical Mask Exemptions may still be sought for days 6-10 when returning from a confirmed positive case.

STUDENTS WITHOUT AN IEP

To request a medical mask exemption at ASD, the following steps must be completed:

Obtain a letter from a Medical Provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) stating that there is a medical need for a mask exemption while at school. There is no form for this. The doctor will provide a note or letter to the family.
The doctor’s letter will be given to the School Principal
The School Principal will contact Kathy Bell, RN, Assistant Director of Health Services for review.
The Health Services Team will review the request and consult with the document originator, as needed.
The student’s parents will be notified of the final decision.
If the mask exemption is granted, it will be communicated to the teacher and a plan to implement active physical distancing in the classroom will be developed.

STUDENTS WITH AN IEP

Mask tolerance will be considered as a goal in the IEP
Mask tolerance will be built using “Correcting Fluently”
If student can tolerate, have student wear a face shield

*If a student is not wearing a mask, they will need to quarantine if deemed a close contact

STAFF

To request a medical exemption to universal masking at ASD, the following steps must be completed:

Inform School Principal/Department Supervisor of request for mask exemption
Contact Equity & Compliance at EEO_Dept@asdk12.org or 742-4132 to discuss reasonable accommodations because of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
This process will require that you submit medical documents to the ADA officer.

PROPER FIT FLYERS

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