Dear Families,
This past weekend, New York State seemingly dropped mask mandates in schools, and then reinstated them roughly 48 hours later, on a Sunday night. To say this caused confusion and uncertainty across New York would be an understatement.
This afternoon, the Governor, and the NYS Department of Health, have clarified the mask mandate for schools that, they claim, will be in force for the remainder of the academic year.
As of tomorrow, June 8, masks will still be required in school buildings and on school buses. However, masks will no longer be required outdoors on school property. For those who wish to continue wearing a mask outdoors, we absolutely support that decision. New York State also "strongly urges", but does not require, unvaccinated persons to wear masks at all times, including outdoors.
Throughout this pandemic, we have been faced with contradictory and confusing information coming from both Albany and Washington. We try extremely hard to sort through this, be prudent, and provide our families with timely and accurate information.
Undoubtedly, the information flow coming out of Albany this past weekend was as confusing to you as it was to me. I thank all of you for your continued patience in the face of these frustrations and look forward to finishing this school year strong.
Sincerely,
Ryan Dougherty
Superintendent of Schools