Dear Students and Families,
In an overnight press release from Governor Reynold’s office, we learned that the governor signed a bill (HF 847) prohibiting public schools, cities, and counties from mandating masks. Please note that this bill does not override mask requirements from the United States Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for school transportation (school buses and vans).
We know that some families may choose to no longer require their children to wear masks. As a district, we are still encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated to wear a mask. The majority of our students are not yet vaccinated. We believe this is a critical step in our fight against the virus. Please know that no matter what option students and staff choose, each individual choice will be treated with respect in our buildings.
Transportation:
Masks are required for students and staff on all school buses. This is per the United States Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “school bus operators, including operations by public school districts, and their passengers are required to wear masks as defined by the Order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC Order provides limited exemptions to the mask requirement for certain small categories of individuals, including: children under the age of 2; persons with disabilities who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask because of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); and persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty.
In an FAQ concerning the CDC Order, the CDC states that passengers and drivers on school buses must wear a mask unless the driver is the only person on the bus. This requirement applies to all school buses whether publicly or privately owned.”
Graduation (Sunday, May 30th):
Attendance at the graduation ceremony will be limited to best ensure the safety of our students and attendees who are not yet vaccinated. Seniors will be given 4 tickets each for family members to attend in the High School gymnasium. Seniors will receive their 4 tickets at graduation practice on Friday, May, 28th.
We encourage those who are not yet vaccinated to wear a mask while attending the graduation ceremony.
This event will also be live-streamed on the West Liberty CSD YouTube channel.
Spring/Summer Sports Activities:
We encourage baseball/softball players and coaches who are not yet vaccinated to wear a mask in dugouts.
Masks will be required for players and staff when using WLCSD transportation (bus/van).
We encourage spectators who are not yet vaccinated to wear masks at sporting events.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to provide a safe learning environment for our students. We will continue to watch for CDC, Federal, State, and Local guidance and reassess the situation as needed throughout the remainder of the school year and for summer activities.
Sincerely,
West Liberty Community School District Administrative Team