Community Letter 9/3/2021

With this announcement, school officials and districts were dropped in the middle of the highly controversial, politicized mask issue.  This is the last place that any of us wanted to be.  Districts are now forced to choose between the wishes of a portion of their constituents versus following/upholding an order backed by law.  This is extremely frustrating, especially when our relationships with our students, parents, and community are so important to us.  We have been put in a tough position and ask for your patience and understanding as we work through things.

As superintendent, I swore an oath to uphold all of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  This would include the ones that I agree with and the ones that I may not agree with.  For years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal I asked students to follow our school rules and held them accountable if they did not.  I do not feel that I will be providing a very good example if I did not model that same behavior.

My goal at this time is to follow the Order, while at the same time working with our students and parents as much as possible.  I understand there are people who are passionate about this and may not agree with me.  I only hope they are able to see and understand the difficult position this has put us in.  Failure to follow the Order could lead to legal and liability issues, not only for the district, but also school officials.  I need your help with this

Here are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully provide some clarity to what things will look like on Tuesday September 7.  Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.  If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s building administrator.

What is the PA Department of Health mask order?

Beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2021, every teacher, child/student, staff, or visitor working, attending, or visiting our schools are required to wear a face covering while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.  The Order, supported by the Governor, comes from the Department of Health through the Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955.

What is considered a “face covering”?

“Face covering” means covering of the nose and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face.  It can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen.  Face shields are an acceptable “face covering” under this new order.

Will the school have extra masks available?

Yes, we have a certain number of masks left over from last year.  We are also in the process of acquiring more.

How will the mask order be enforced?

We ask for student/parent cooperation with this.  As mentioned earlier, we feel that schools have been put in a difficult position with this new order.  We are asking that this issue not ruin the positive relationships we are trying to form with our students and parents.  We will attempt to work with you as much as possible.  But, without a documented exemption, our district must follow this order.  Outright refusal to wear a mask will result in the student being placed in our Black Knight Academy.  That being said, we would rather have our students in school with us.  Please help us out.

How will a student who refuses to wear a mask be handled by the district?

  • If a student arrives on campus without a face covering, the student will be offered one by our staff.
  • If the student refuses the face covering, the student will be sent to a separate location where our administration will attempt to talk to the student about wearing the face covering. If the refusal continues, the parent will be called to come pick up their student.  The student will remain in the separate location until being picked up or granted permission to drive home.
  • The building administrator will communicate with the parent and child of their two options:
    • Come to school with a face covering (unless an exemption is met)
    • Enroll in our online Black Knight Academy
  • We are not looking to discipline students for refusing to wear a mask. Discipline will be imposed for disrespect, insubordination (ex. refusing to move to the separate location, following staff directives, along with other infractions listed in the discipline code.

What are my educational options other than in-person learning this year?

There are two options available this year:  in-person and our online Black Knight Academy.  We will not be offering the virtual/zoom option this school year.  Although we believe in having students learn in-person with our teachers, we respect the feelings of our parents, especially with the mask issue.  Those choosing the Black Knight Academy can do so temporarily with students transitioning back to in-person at ANY time during the school year.  While not ideal, we will make that work.  If interested in the Black Knight Academy you can use the following email.  [email protected]   

When will this new mask order end?

We are hoping that this mask order is nothing that will be in place long term this school year.  The Order recognizes that face covering requirements will NOT go on forever.  The Department of Health has shared they will continue to evaluate community transmission rates, vaccination data, and other indicators.  The Order states that they will provide an update by October 1, 2021, to make decisions moving forward.

When are masks NOT REQUIRED under this new order?

  • While eating and drinking
  • While playing an instrument that would be obstructed by the face covering
  • While participating in high intensity activities such as gym class and outdoor recess
  • When working alone and isolated from interaction with other people with little or no expectation of in-person interaction
  • While students are participating in sports, whether indoors or outdoors

What are the exemptions to wearing a mask indoors?

  • If wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition, or a disability
  • If an individual is communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired or has another disability, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication

What school process/documentation is needed to for an exemption to wearing a mask?

Students needing an exception from wearing a face covering must provide a physician’s note submitted to the office in order to be awarded the exemption.  Any form submitted that does not include a physician’s signature will not be honored.

Is there a religious exemption to wearing a mask?

No, this type of exemption is not included in the order.

Does wearing a mask prevent one from being a close contact?

Yes, considering the face mask requirement in school buildings, students/staff will not be identified as a close contact (with very few exceptions) and would not be required to quarantine as per CDC.  This allows students to consistently maintain in person learning.

How are athletic activities impacted by this new order?

A student athlete is NOT required to wear a face covering when participating in a sports practice activity or event, indoors or outdoors.  Fans attending an indoor event must wear a face covering.

Will mask breaks be given throughout the day?

Yes, our goal is to make sure our students have several times throughout the day when they are able to remove their masks.  This would include when they are outdoors, at gym class, during lunch, and at recess.  Breaks will be given during class time as well, with appropriate distancing in place