File: EBCFA
FACE COVERINGS
The Georgetown Public School District is committed to providing a safe environment in schools during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining a safe environment is critical to the District’s ability to return students to a full-time classroom learning experience.
According to public health experts, one of the best ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and to keep members of our school community safe is the use of face masks or face coverings. Therefore, using the guidance and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the District has established the following requirements which will remain in place until further notice.
A face covering that covers the nose and mouth must be worn by all individuals in school buildings and on school transportation. A student’s mask or face covering is to be provided by the student’s family. Staff members are responsible for providing their own face coverings. However, the district will supply disposable face covering for individuals who arrive at a building, or board school transportation, without one.
Masks or face coverings will not be required for anyone who has a medical, behavioral or other challenge making it unsafe to wear a mask or face covering. A written note from a physician is required for a requested exemption. Parents may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement by signing a waiver. The following is a list of reasons per CDC guidelines that would exempt a student or staff member from wearing a mask. The individual :
has trouble breathing;
is unconscious;
is incapacitated or
cannot remove the face covering or mask without assistance.
Additionally, face masks or face coverings will not be required:
during mask breaks.
while eating or drinking.
while outside
while participating in elective classes, such as the use of wind instruments in band.
The Building Principal, in consultation with the school nurse ( and local Board of Health if necessary) shall have the authority to allow exceptions under certain circumstances for students with medical and behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks. Face shields or physical barriers may provide an alternative in some circumstances.
If students are in violation of this policy, the Building Principal is encouraged to explore alternatives before resorting to disciplinary exclusions. They will consult with the parent/guardians to determine whether an exception is appropriate, or the student may be removed from the school building from in-person learning until such time as they can comply with the requirement, or the requirement is lifted.
Violations of this policy by staff will be handled in the same manner as other violations of School Committee policy.
Visitors in violation of this policy will be denied entry to the school/district facility.
This policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee.
Guidance Statements
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/doc/updated-advisory-regarding-masks-and-face-coverings-july-30-2021-0/download
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Guidance for Covid-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools Updated August 5, 2021 -
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html
Center for Disease Controls – Guidance for Covid-19 Prevention on Public Transportation
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Fall 2021 Covid-19 Guidance
https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2021-0730fall-2021-covid19-guidance.pdf
SOURCE: MASC – August 10, 2021
Adopted on: September 9, 2021
Rescinded: February 28, 2022