Dear City School District of New Rochelle Community,
First, we hope you and your loved ones are healthy and well.
As you likely know, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the mask mandate for businesses was lifted February 10, 2022, but that the state would continue to require masks in schools. Please know, the City School District of New Rochelle will follow state guidance until the state mask mandate for schools is lifted.
We are awaiting a determination in the next few weeks from the state as to whether to end the mask mandate for public schools in New York State. It is important that we plan for the probability that mask-wearing in public schools will become optional, so we will share any updated guidance from the state as soon as it becomes available. Upon our return to school on Monday, February 28, we will continue to implement our COVID-19 PCR Saliva Testing and Test-to-Stay programs, as well as other mitigation measures.
We invite families to take time to talk with their children in advance of any change to the mandate. There will be an adjustment period for all of us, and students need to be prepared to have classmates who make different choices. We request that parents speak to their students about the issue, ask their child how they feel about changes to the mask mandate, and discuss their choice with them. Above all, we ask parents to emphasize the importance of respect for choices to wear, or not to wear, masks. Everyone must be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of their choice regarding the mask option. Attached is a helpful resource to guide this conversation.
We hope you all had a wonderful mid-winter break and will return rested, rejuvenated, and recharged!
Sincerely,
