To the King Philip School Community,
I’m writing to inform you of the latest update from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regarding the statewide school mask mandate.
Earlier today, DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced that the statewide school mask mandate will not be renewed after it expires on Monday, Feb. 28. Based on high vaccination rates and the widespread availability of COVID-19 testing for school staff and students throughout the state, DESE reverted masking policies back to a local decision.
As a result of this announcement, we would like to inform you that effective Monday, Feb. 28, masking will be optional for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, in all King Philip Regional school buildings. Community members should note that masking will continue to be required on all school buses, per federal requirements.
At this time, we are awaiting additional guidance from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association regarding masking during after-school sports. Once additional information is provided we will share it with you.
We will continue to practice all preventive measures including heightened cleaning and sanitization of all school facilities. As always, we ask that if you don’t feel well, please stay home and isolate yourself from others. Those who have COVID-19 symptoms, are identified as a close contact, or test positive for COVID-19 should contact their school nurses for further information related to quarantine and testing protocols.
We continue to thank you all for your cooperation over the past two years.
Sincerely,
Paul A. Zinni, C.A.G.S.
Superintendent of Schools