The Gloucester Public Schools are strongly encouraging all students and staff to wear face masks to help limit the spread of COVID in our schools and our community. Wearing face coverings is one of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of illness.

All students from pre-school through twelfth grade and all Staff are encouraged to wear face coverings or masks when inside our schools, at any school function that takes place indoors, and on school transportation.

When outdoors, students and staff do not have to wear face coverings.

Families are expected to supply their student's masks. Each school has disposable masks in case a student forgets a mask or needs a replacement. Please be sure your child comes to school every day with a face covering or mask.

For more information about the Massachusetts statewide mask requirement for all public schools, please visit the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education's COVID resources website.

Selecting a Mask

Please follow these guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health when selecting a mask or face covering:

• Cover your nose and mouth,

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,

• Be secured with ties or ear loops,

• Include multiple layers of fabric,

• Allow for breathing without restriction, and

• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

• Please do not wear masks with valves. They do not filter breath being exhaled.

Handling Your Mask Safely

How to put on a face mask:

• Ensure your face mask is clean, dry and not damaged

• Wash and dry your hands before putting on your face covering

• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin

• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face- no gaps

• Make sure you can breathe easily

• Wash and dry your hands

While wearing a face mask:

• Do not touch the front of the face mask. If you do, clean your hands and dry thoroughly.

• Avoid touching your face, as infection can still be introduced by touching your eyes or if you are not wearing your face mask correctly.

• Face masks should not be moved during use. This includes being pulled up or pulled down below your chin. If you need to remove your mask (for example, to eat) - remove it safely, dispose of it appropriately (or wash if a home-made facial covering or cloth mask) and clean your hands.

• Replace the face mask if it becomes damp, damaged, or soiled.

To safely remove your mask:

• Clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Ensure your hands are dry.

• Remove the face mask from behind (do not touch the front of the mask) by untying ties or removing loops and pull it away from your face. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your mask

• Clean, store or dispose of it appropriately

• Clean your hands again

Resources on Face Coverings

• • • Using a Mask to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (CDC)

    • How to Wear Your Mask Correctly (CDC)

    • How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask (CDC)

    • Poster on Safely Wearing Face Masks (CDC)