Dear St. Albans City School Family,
As we get closer to the start of school, we want to remind everyone that to be in school, we must all wear a mask. Our summer school students showed us that this is going to be just fine. It will take some practice if they have not been wearing one for long periods of time.
Research shows universal mask-wearing, even homemade masks, significantly reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Because transmission can happen even when one is physically distant from others, mask-wearing is required of all students, teachers, and staff. Mask-wearing will be required in the building, on school buses, and at morning health checks. Please understand, masks are required; simply, it is not a local decision, nor is it open to debate.
To address mask fatigue, “masks breaks” will be allowed when students and staff are outdoors and maintaining appropriate social distancing. Mask removal while eating and drinking indoors will be allowed while students sit at their station, and talking will be discouraged when masks are off.
We know that this may be hard at the start, and we are glad it is still warm out so we can take frequent breaks. To support students in practicing mask-wearing and to get ready for the start of school, we will be giving a cloth mask and a few disposable masks to each child when they visit us during the Outside Open House. We also have some videos that were made to help students understand wearing masks.
Our school nurses explain why and how we wear a mask. Link to the nurses' video
Mrs. Rankin explains masks for younger students. Link to Ms. Rankin's video.
Thank you for helping us support your family in being successful with hybrid learning. We are looking forward to seeing our families next week.
Our School Community is Raider Strong!
Joan and Stacie
