Students and staff in the Bristol Township School District will have to wear masks in school when classes resume.
Superintendent Dr. Melanie Gehrens wrote in a letter to parents and staff Tuesday that the change follows federal and county health guidance.
Advertisements
“While the outlook on fall looked promising at the beginning of the summer, we are unfortunately facing a different scenario now with guidance frequently changing. Bucks County is considered to be in an area of high COVID transmission and the Delta variant has impacted our planned return to school,” she wrote.
Masks will have to be worn indoors and on buses. Exemptions will be granted in some cases.
The superintendent said the goal is to keep schools safe and have in-person classes five days per week.
Advertisements
“Although the flu vaccine and COVID vaccine are not required for school attendance or employment, it is highly encouraged for all students and staff to get the flu vaccine and COVID vaccine,” Gehrens wrote.
Students ages 12 and up are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Advertisements
In June, the school board approved a health and safety plan that allowed flexibility that let them follow the “recommendations and orders concerning face coverings.”
At the recent school board meeting, one parent reminded the board of rising COVID-19 cases among children and that some pediatric intensive care units in the south are filling up.
Another parent asked why masks were required on buses. The solicitor said it was a federal mandate and not following could impact whether the district receives COVID-19 aid funding.
Advertisements
Below is the letter from Gehrens:
Dear Bristol Township School District Staff and Families,
Advertisements
While the outlook on fall looked promising at the beginning of the summer, we are unfortunately facing a different scenario now with guidance frequently changing. Bucks County is considered to be in an area of high COVID transmission and the Delta variant has impacted our planned return to school.
On August 15, the Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) sent out recommendations on opening schools. On August 16, the Board met and anticipated following these recommendations. On August 17, the BCDH changed the recommendations, to follow CDC guidance on masking in schools. On August 23, the BCDH sent additional recommendations based on the current transmission levels in Bucks County. To facilitate keeping our schools safe and open for in-person instruction five days a week, we will be following the most recent recommendations of the BCDH.
Advertisements
The current Bristol Township Health & Safety Plan approved on June 30, 2021, stated, “The district will follow recommendations and orders concerning face coverings that may be put in place by the health and/or government officials.” In this regard, the following health and safety measures will be implemented on the dates listed below. Both the Federal and state health authorities recommend the implementation of a „mask required‟ policy at the current time in alignment with CDC guidance for schools. Click here for the revised Health & Safety Plan.
Health and Safety Measures effective August 30
Advertisements
● All district staff and visitors will be required to wear a mask whether vaccinated or not.
● Parents should schedule meetings with the school prior to visiting. All stakeholders should not enter school buildings if showing signs of illness or any communicable disease.
● All students PK-12 will be required to wear a mask while indoors and on the school bus.
Advertisements
● The correct wearing of masks includes covering both the nose and the mouth. Gators are not permitted.
● At this time, masks are NOT required outdoors, during recess, or during outdoor physical education classes.
Advertisements
● Bristol Township School District will continue to honor all approved mask exemptions.
● During sports and extracurricular activities, the CDC recommends masking and physical distancing for participants who are NOT fully vaccinated.
Students showing symptoms of illness will be evaluated by the school nurse. The school district will follow the BCDH‟s guidance regarding how to proceed with symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Advertisements
BTSD will follow the specific guidance provided by the BCDH on isolation and quarantine.
● Students should report positive cases of COVID-19 to their building nurse.
● Employees should report positive cases of COVID-19 to personnel.
Advertisements
● In the event of a confirmed positive case, the building will send a notification to the parents/guardians of the students in the same classroom, bus, and/or extracurricular activity.
● Consult with the BCDH on decisions impacting the closure of classrooms, schools, or the district.
Although the flu vaccine and COVID vaccine are not required for school attendance or employment, it is highly encouraged for all students and staff to get the flu vaccine and COVID vaccine. Vaccination remains the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on the BCDH website.
As always, thank you for your support as we work to protect the health and safety of our students, staff, families, and community members. We look forward to welcoming students back to school in September.
Advertisements
Sincerely,
Melanie Gehrens, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
