March 1, 2022
Dear Freeport Families,
I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break. As an update to our last COVID communication, Governor Hochul has ended the mask mandate for in-school instruction as of Wednesday, March 2. The CDC has recommended that masks no longer be required on school buses. Please note all other requirements remain in effect at this time. The Governor has indicated there may be further changes in the next few days. We are waiting for any additional information regarding this.
Beginning this Wednesday, March 2, masks will be optional for students and staff in school and on school buses. Please note the following:
While masks are optional, individuals are encouraged to still wear a mask if they so choose. If you are unsure or believe it is too soon, mask wearing is recommended in an abundance of caution
- Mask wearing is a decision between a parent and child and will not be enforced by faculty and staff.
- Mask wearing will now be optional for students and staff except:
- Upon return to school from a 5 day isolation or quarantine, a well-fitting mask must be worn for 5 days in school and on school buses;
- If deemed a close contact, and not required to quarantine, a well-fitting mask must be worn for 10 days in school and on school buses
- We support everyone's right to choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask. We ask everyone to respect each other's personal decision. Our school environments must remain respectful, welcoming and supportive
- As always, counseling and support services through our Pupil Personnel staff are available for those in need and can be set up by reaching out to your building principal
- Remember to keep your child home if they have a temperature or are showing signs of illness
The health and safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to follow physical distancing and proper hygiene and sanitization protocols according to our reopening plan. Although our region is currently considered a low risk area, COVID-19 is still not over and, if necessary, the return of mask wearing may occur for all students and staff.
The Board of Education and I thank you for your continued cooperation as we continue to successfully navigate through these challenging times together. It is important that we support each other in this new phase with kindness and understanding. The mental health and well-being of our students and staff is of the greatest importance and we will continue to provide support services as needed. If you have any questions, please contact your building principal. Be safe and well.
Regards,
Dr. Kishore Kuncham
Superintendent of Schools