Stamford Public Schools: Mask Update Message From Dr. Tamu Lucero Superintendent - Mensaje De La Dra. Tamu Lucero, Superintendente De La ...

Stamford CT

01 March, 2022

10:54 AM

Description

Press release from Stamford Public Schools: February 28, 2022 - 7:45pm Dear Staff and Families, As noted in my weekly communication last week related to the mask mandate, I am pleased to share that the positive cases, hospitalizations, and death rates continue to decline.  We also continue to review vaccine and booster information for age-eligible students and staff. Considering the information above and the recent CDC recommendations released on Friday, the Acting Director of Health will advise and the Office of the Superintendent will recommend, to the Board of Education that masks will no longer be required, but are recommended, based on one's personal level of risk.  A discussion will take place during the BOE meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m.  Please note that families should anticipate the transition from required to recommended, based on one's personal level of risk, to begin on Wednesday, March 2 in all SPS buildings.  An updated communication will be sent following the Board of Education meeting. Please note that the above recommendation, based on one's personal level of risk, also includes all school buses and the APPLES PreK program, given the recommendation released on Friday by the CDC. Mask Enforcement As noted above, the Stamford Health Department will recommend masks based on one's personal level of risk for staff and students.  It should be clear, however, that the expectations to wear or not to wear a mask must be encouraged and enforced at home with families.  Our staff will not play a role in enforcing these decisions.  Furthermore, all members of our school community should respect each other's choices on this matter. School Nurse's Office  As per best practice of infection prevention in school health offices, students may be instructed to put on a mask when they enter the school nurse's office.  School Based Health Centers Masks are required in School Based Health Centers as per the Department of Public Health Commissioner's order regarding licensed healthcare facilities.    Illness Please continue to report positive COVID-19 test results to the school nurse or administrator and follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19. Safe Return to School Plan As a reminder, please reference the Safe Return to School Plan for updated information related to mitigating strategies that will remain in place at this time.  We will continue to work closely with the Stamford Health Department to adjust these mitigating strategies as needed. Test Kits Please note that as an additional mitigating strategy, building leaders will distribute COVID-19 test kits, from the Connecticut State Department of Education, when they arrive at buildings later this week.  The Stamford Department of Health recommends that these COVID-19 test kits be kept at home and used to test if a staff member or student is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms on a particular morning. Voluntary Weekly Testing Programs Another mitigating strategy that will continue to be in place for all SPS students is the opportunity for weekly testing available for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students.  Please click on the following link for more information. Finally, I want to take a moment and thank you all again, for your patience in navigating this global pandemic that has lasted far longer than the majority of us could have imagined; the steadfastness of Stamford School Community is duly noted and appreciated. Stay Safe and Healthy! Sincerely, Dr. Tamu Lucero Superintendent of Schools Espanol   This press release was produced by Stamford Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.