February 11, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff Members,
We wish to inform you that we have no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for individuals at any of our schools today. This is the first time we can report no new cases of COVID-19 in a very long time. We plan to create a page on the district website to report our new cases. The page will be updated with daily case counts and provide weekly totals. An announcement will be made when the page is ready to be viewed.
The Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced rescinding of the requirements for mask wearing in schools as of February 28, 2022. This change in mandatory mask wearing will not eliminate the need for masks. Masks will still be required on school bus transportation as indicated by federal order and when students go to the nurse’s office. The school committee has an approved policy for mask wearing in schools which remains in effect and will be revisited at the regularly scheduled meeting on March 1, 2022 at 6:00 pm. Masks will continue to be required in the North Adams Public Schools until such time as the school committee rescinds or changes their policy. Exceptions to when masks are required are:
- Masks are not required when outdoors.
- Masks are not required when eating or drinking.
- Masks are not required during mask breaks.
- Masks may be removed indoors when necessary to participate in elective classes, such as wind instrument instruction.
Unvaccinated students and staff should wear their masks at all times. Masks should be provided by the student/family, but disposable masks will continue to be available by the school for students who need them. Masks should be fitted to cover the students mouth and nose.
Vaccination Attestation
The district will be sending an email to all kindergarten through grade six students (@cb.napsk12.org) today at 5:00 pm with a link to complete a required short survey. The survey asks each parent/guardian to attest to their student's vaccination status. By filling out this survey, you will be providing valuable information to the district and school committee regarding mask wearing in schools. The deadline to submit the required survey is Thursday, February 17th, at 5:00 pm. If you need the school provided password for your child’s email, please contact the school main office.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Malkas
Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools