In communication with local health officials, the school physician, union leadership, the Board of Education, and district administrators collectively reviewed all key metrics used throughout the pandemic to guide the district’s decisions regarding masking protocols.  Our community continues to demonstrate a significant decrease in COVID cases, a high vaccination rate, and ample accessibility to COVID testing.  Therefore, as of March 7, 2022, masking will be optional in school buildings, on school grounds, and on district buses.  

Below are situations that will require masks to be worn:  

• On Days 6-10 after a Covid-19 positive case
• If you become sick at school and are being sent home
• As per the NJDOH for 10 days if exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual, regardless of vaccination status 
• During periods of elevated community transmission – when COVID-19 Activity Level Index (CALI) is elevated
• During an active outbreak

How can I prepare my child to wear a face-covering in school?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Helping Kids Get Used to Masks (KidsHealth)    
5 Ways to get your kids to wear masks (CNN)
Cloth Face Coverings for Children during COVID-19 (AAP)
Getting Your Child to Wear a Face Mask (Cook Childrens’ Health Care System)
Tips for getting young kids to wear face masks (Cook Childrens’ Health Care System)
Helping your child wear a face mask (Robert Wood Johnson)
Helping Individuals with Autism Wear Face Masks (Autism NJ)
Tips on Face Masking for Children During COVID-19 (AAP)
How to help your child adapt to wearing a mask (Behavioral Interventions/Solutions LLC)

How do I support my child in developing safe habits for wearing a face-covering?
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings Safely (CDC)
How to Wash Cloth Face Coverings (CDC)
Wearing Face Coverings (CDC)
How to Wear a Medical Mask Safely (WHO)
Face Masks Do's and Don'ts (CDC)