The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) also released guidance to complement the Governor's announcement:
DESE Guidance May 17th. The key component in the guidance is that the requirement for students to wear masks outdoors while engaged in school activities has been relaxed.
While DESE specifies that these revised measures go into effect today Tuesday, May 18th, the Needham Public Schools will not be implementing the new guidance immediately. Students will continue to wear face coverings/masks outdoors in accordance with existing NPS health protocols until we implement the new guidance. (High school athletes, however, may receive new guidance regarding masks as early as today based on a vote of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association or MIAA.)
Last evening I consulted with the district's Joint Committee on Health and Safety to review this guidance and discuss the implications for students and staff and on school operations, particularly as they relate to existing NPS health and safety measures.
Tonight at the School Committee's regularly scheduled meeting I will ask the Needham School Committee to revise its
Face Coverings Policy (EBCFA) that was instituted last September to reflect the updated guidance. Assuming the School Committee revises its policy, the new guidance would likely take effect later this week but not until I have an opportunity to provide clear communication to our staff and families. I expect to be able to provide this guidance later this week.
A change in the face covering/mask protocol that provides an option for students is a good thing and is another step toward normalcy. I appreciate your patience as the district ensures an appropriate plan is developed and communicated so that all students, families, and staff will continue to feel healthy and safe at school.
Respectfully,