Dear Fort Edward School Community,
On Friday, February 25, 2022, the CDC made several changes to key pieces of its guidance, including a new community rate metric and when masking is recommended on school buses and in schools. The CDC now recommends masking in all indoor settings, including schools, in areas with a high community rate. It is no longer the CDC’s recommendation that masks be required in areas with a low or medium community rate. Community rates may be found here.
In light of the amended guidance issued by the CDC, Governor Hochul announced in a press conference today that effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, masks will no longer be mandated in schools or on school buses in all counties within New York State. Governor Hochul clarified that recommendations regarding mask wearing in schools and on school buses in counties with high community rates will be at the discretion of local Departments of Health. The Governor emphasized that the harassment or bullying of any student or adult who continues to choose to wear a mask in school or on a school bus will not be tolerated. Although we anticipate that masking will soon become “optional”, some people will still choose to continue masking in environments where it is no longer required. They will be supported. It is crucial that we kindly and civilly respect each other’s decisions as well as continue to be cautious about how we engage in close contact.
Until March 2, 2022, the mask mandate remains in effect. We anticipate further guidance from the State regarding this transition and will update you as information becomes available.
I want to thank you again for your patience, understanding, and support as we have navigated through this pandemic. This has been a long, difficult journey and I am so proud of how well our students, families, and staff have worked together throughout it all.
Sincerely yours,
Mark Bessen
Interim Superintendent
Fort Edward Union Free School District