SDMA K-6 Masking Procedures

SDMA K-6 Masking Procedures
Posted on 09/29/2021
Covid Update Image

Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

Thank you for your cooperation and patience as the school district continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic. There are not many easy answers to this challenging situation, but we are all trying hard to offer the best schooling experience possible, while balancing recommendations, guidelines, and local preferences.

As the school district works to implement the new K-6 masking policy, the district has fielded a number of questions that are addressed through the following operational procedures:

  • The mask mandate only refers to students in grades K-6, the school day, and while indoors. 
  • The mask mandate applies to all students in grades K-6. It is not dependent on the age or vaccination status of individual students in those grade levels.
  • Medical exemptions from the mask mandate will be allowed if appropriate documentation from a medical doctor is provided.
  • Masks can be removed for eating, drinking, and during rigorous physical activity.
  • Masks will not be required for any optional school functions that occur outside of the school day.
  • Teachers will be allowed to use their discretion to provide mask breaks when adequate distancing can be achieved (at least 6') or when students are seated silently at their desks.
  • The mask mandate will end approximately 6 weeks from whatever date the vaccine becomes available for children.  
  • A specific date for the end of the mask mandate will be shared by the district after an announcement about vaccine eligibility for children is made.  
  • When the mask mandate ends, it will end for all students regardless of vaccination status.

Please understand that the current masking policy and the operational implementation procedures are subject to continual review by district administration and the school board. As previously noted, if community transmission of COVID-19 drops prior to students having the opportunity to become fully vaccinated, the Board may revisit this decision.

Thank you.

Joe Zydowsky