WHY DOES GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS KEEP CHANGING?

CDC/CDPH guidance for K–12 schools changes because what we know about COVID-19 continues to change. This means guidance is updated as CDC/CDPH learns more about what works best to reduce the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.

HOW IS BRSSD RESPONDING TO CHANGING MASK MANDATES AND GUIDANCE?

On Monday, February 14, California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly provided a statewide update on the progress of combating COVID-19 and introduced the state’s pathway for relaxing school masking mandates. On February 28, the state will announce the timeline to lift the school masking mandate, as long as COVID-19 health metrics continue to improve. Throughout the pandemic we’ve relied on guidance from CDPH and we will continue to do so. BRSSD intends to align with masking guidelines proposed by the CDPH California Safe Schools division so long as they are affirmed by San Mateo County health.

We have continued to strongly encourage masking outdoors and set the expectation that masks should be worn at all times while at school to the greatest extent practicable. We believe that this has been appropriate given the variants through the fall and winter. With the waning of the current omicron surge, we will continue our transition per state guidelines.

Given that we do not yet know what the CDPH’s February 28 guidance will be, we want to set appropriate expectations for face coverings in advance of our return from mid-winter break and establish a timeline of next steps.

• All current masking guidance and protocols will remain in place upon return from mid-winter break the week of February 28. Our staff will work with our students to reiterate the importance of respect, responsibility and individual choice within common safety guidelines. We will work to ensure that our school cultures remain sensitive and accepting of individual differences. We want students (and families) to feel comfortable continuing to wear a face covering or choosing to remove it in light of updated guidance from our health officials.

• Outdoor masking will be optional beginning the week of March 7. We will continue to work hard to create a caring and nurturing environment for our students and their families to make the choice that they feel is right. We will be prepared to address student anxiety, fear and nervousness. While outdoor masking has been optional per the CDPH for some time, it has not been viewed as such in BRSSD.

• BRSSD’s indoor masking mandate will not change prior to March 14 (regardless of CDPH’s February 28 announcements). When allowed by CDPH, Safe Schools for All division, BRSSD will establish a timeline for removing the indoor masking mandate allowing face coverings to become optional. This date will be adjusted per CDPH’s guidance and the District’s ability to effectively comply with exemptions. Like the general mask guidance, we expect that only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to remove their masks while indoors. Vaccination is highly recommended and encouraged. Please visit myturn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccination appointment!

Employees will be required to follow CDPH guidelines for schools as well as guidance imposed by CalOSHA.

As the pandemic moves toward endemic status, it will be critically important that we continue to support each other recognizing that there are diverse opinions and viewpoints. We want our schools to be a place where all perspectives are valued. This includes fostering an environment where all feel comfortable choosing to wear or not to wear a face covering.

WHEN DID MASKING REQUIREMENTS OUTDOORS CHANGE?

Outdoor masking requirements for schools changed in late 2021. This was affirmed in CDPH’s January 12th guidance update. In section 1a it states that, “Masks are optional outdoors for all in K-12 school settings.” Although there was a change in guidance, BRSSD continued to maintain the importance of wearing a mask at all times given the omicron surge.

WHEN WILL STUDENTS BE ALLOWED TO REMOVE FACE COVERINGS INDOORS?

The CDPH Safe Schools for All Division will provide an update on indoor masking requirements for schools on February 28th. At this time, we do not have any indication of what those recommendations will include. Once we learn, BRSSD will establish a timeline for removing the indoor masking mandate allowing face coverings to become optional. Like the general mask guidance, we expect that only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to remove their masks while indoors. As with all COVID-19 policies thus far, BRSSD will continue to follow CDPH’s school-specific guidance.

MAY CHILDREN CONTINUE TO WEAR MASKS IF THEY CHOOSE?

Absolutely. While wearing a mask will eventually be optional, wearing a face covering is still encouraged by the CDC and CDPH. BRSSD will always honor an individual or family's choice to continue to wear a face covering. Face coverings continue to serve a level of protection not only for COVID-19 but for other airborne viruses. Our staff will work diligently to ensure that we foster a climate of acceptance and respect for individual decision making.

WILL BRSSD CONTINUE TO MONITOR COVID CASES? WHAT WILL WE DO IF WE SEE RATES SIGNIFICANTLY RISE?

BRSSD will continue to monitor weekly covid case rates and continue to share information on our COVID Data Dashboard. BRSSD will adjust guidance and recommendations accordingly.

WHAT ARE THE VACCINATION RATES LOCALLY?

San Mateo County Health regularly updates multiple data dashboards in an effort to provide the community with accurate data related to case rates and vaccination.

The Belmont and Redwood Shores Community has an approximate 99.4% vaccination rate (individuals with 1 dose or more) per San Mateo County Health’s data dashboard.

Belmont-Redwood Shores School District staff are approximately 95% vaccinated.

As of Thursday, February 17th, 62% of students have confirmed full vaccination with the District.

WILL THE DISTRICT OFFER AN ALTERNATE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WHOSE HEALTH WOULD BE PUT AT RISK BY IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION? WILL THE DISTRICT OFFER INDEPENDENT STUDY?

While BRSSD is prioritizing in-person instruction, State Assembly Bill 130 requires districts to offer Independent Study for pupils whose health would be put at risk by in-person instruction, as determined by the parents or guardian of the pupil. BRSSD is working with outside agencies and districts to support this requirement. If you would like to enroll in Independent Study for the remainder of this school year, please contact Educational Services at edservices@brssd.org.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CDPH’S GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS?

The Safe Schools For All Hub consolidates key resources and information related to COVID-19 and schools. New resources will be added to the Hub on a routine basis.