Dear Deer Park Families -
Two weeks ago today, we instituted a mask requirement for all buildings throughout Deer Park Schools with the intention to help slow the spread of the omicron variant in our schools as we entered a time of peak spread.
The number of positive COVID cases have begun to decrease quickly throughout Hamilton County as well as the 45236 zip code over the past week, and that same decrease has been reflected in our schools as well.
With that in mind, we will be adjusting our policies, removing the mandatory requirement of masks in our buildings moving forward and we will be strongly recommending masks for all students, staff, and visitors. Below, you can find the policy in its entirety.
Facial Coverings / Masks
Individuals are permitted to wear masks in school buildings and at school-related events, but it is no longer a mandatory requirement. Masks are optional, however:
- We strongly recommend all individuals wear a mask.
- Per federal regulations, masking is still required on school buses.
- “Mask to Stay, Test to Play” guidelines must still be followed:
- Students/staff who are considered a close contact, regardless of where their exposure occurred (in or out of school), must wear a mask while in school for 10 days after their last exposure. If the exposure occurs at home, the returning student/staff member must mask throughout the household member’s isolation period and for 10 days following that household member's isolation. *This is newly updated guidance from HCPH
- If a student becomes a close contact and is involved in an extracurricular activity, they must wear a mask when able for 10 days from last exposure and they must also test on initial notification of exposure to COVID-19. The student may resume their extracurricular activity as long as their COVID test is negative.
The following practices will continue within our school buildings:
- Frequent hand washing routines;
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout each school building and inside our classrooms;
- Thorough cleaning practices, including school buses and cafeterias;
- The use of hands-free water bottle filling stations;
- Continuing to urge families to monitor their child’s health every day;
- Stay home when sick.
We will continue to be responsible and respectful as we transition back from required masking to masks being strongly recommended.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or to your building administrators. Have a great weekend!
Jay Phillips
Superintendent
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Inspiring & Empowering Lifelong Success!
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