February 9, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff Members,
We wish to inform you that we have recently received information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 for individuals at:
- Brayton Elementary School (2)
- Colegrove Park Elementary School (1)
- Greylock Elementary School (2)
- Drury High School (2)
- Central Office (1)
Due to staffing and the potential for exposure, one classroom at Colegrove Park Elementary School will quarantine until Wednesday, February 16, 2022. The parents/guardians of students in the classroom have been notified.
Today, 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. Currently, the CDC recommends a mask in areas where there is widespread infection rates.
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.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Malkas
Superintendent of North Adams Public Schools