MCPASD Families,
As we communicated, starting March 1, 2022, our district is moving to a “mask optional and recommended” policy. This means masks are no longer required in our facilities. Another policy we are changing is no longer requiring masks in our district vehicles, including our school buses, based on recent guidance from the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
We believe many students and staff will continue to wear masks in our buildings and when riding district vehicles for a variety of reasons. Others will choose to not wear masks in these settings. All choices will be honored and respected.
Public Health Madison Dane County announced a few weeks ago that the current emergency order that mandates masks indoors will end today (February 28, 2022) and will not be extended.
What is staying the same?
Our district and community testing sites remain open for free COVID testing for staff, students, and family members.
Students and staff who experience COVID-like symptoms at school or at home will be sent/kept home with recommendations to get PCR tested for COVID-19 and to report any positive cases or household close contacts to the district’s COVID hotline.
Students and staff who have a positive PCR or antigen test for COVID-19 will need to isolate at home for 5 full days from the date of test or symptom onset (day 0), and wear a mask in public for day 6 through 10 according to PHMDC isolation guidelines.
Middle and high school band students returning to the building after a full 5 day isolation period will not be permitted to play a wind instrument during their mandatory masking period of day 6 through 10.
The MCPASD will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all students and staff by monitoring for any necessary changes or updates to the district’s COVID policy based on Dane County Public Health mandates and recommendations from our medical advisory and health services staff.
Again, starting March 1, 2022, our district is moving to a “mask optional and recommended” policy in both our district facilities and vehicles, including buses.