Greetings Mustangs and South High families,
As you know, we will move to a school environment where masks are respectfully recommended beginning on Monday, February 28th. That is, each member of our school community will be responsible for choosing whether they wear a mask or not.
Just as we set expectations as we transitioned back to in-person school in August, I wanted to establish expectations as we make this next step within our school community.
First, masks are respectfully recommended - with the focus being on respect. Everyone in our school community has a unique set of circumstances in their life that will guide their personal decision of whether or not to wear a mask. It is on all of us to continue to show respect to each other at all times, including about this personal decision. We should never pass judgment on others based on our own situations. It goes without saying that bullying or harassment of ANY kind will not be tolerated, and I expect that all of you will be considerate and kind to the staff members and peers who may choose differently than you. Remember, you don’t necessarily know someone’s personal situation, so I ask that you honor people’s choices with respect.
Secondly, many of our mitigation measures will continue:
- Sick students/staff will be expected to stay home from school; Covid positive cases still must follow the 5-day quarantine; however, contact tracing will end.
- The district will continue to follow federal laws, including masking on buses and in District vehicles and applicable state laws; Students must continue to wear a mask on the bus at all times (including TCD buses) and when in the Driver Education vehicles.
- Masking will be required in the health offices.
- We will continue to bring in twice as much outside air as is required.
Finally, the school will provide KN95 masks for students who wish to use them. They will be available in the bookstore during regular school hours beginning Friday, February 25.
If anyone is struggling with navigating this change in learning environments, please reach out to a member of the Counseling and Student Support Services team.
As timing would have it, South High had already scheduled activities as part of Respect Week for next week. I hope that you all participate in the activities that are planned and that the transition to this new school environment will highlight the greatest examples of our students exhibiting the Mustang Way.
Have a great day,
Ed Schwartz