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Last night, the West Plains School Board met during a public workshop and discussed the upcoming school year. With the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 hospitalizing many children around the nation, the Board agreed to a mask mandate for students, faculty, employees, and visitors to the West Plains Schools. Superintendent Dr. Lori Wilson spoke with ORN News Director Nate Hudson about the upcoming school year, changes from the previous year, and what to expect if you are exposed to COVID-19.
Information provided below as it relates to the discussion:
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Masking
- Masks required for students K-12 beginning Monday, August 23 (only during the regular school day and on school transportation);
- Masks required for all employees beginning Monday, August 16.
- Early Childhood and certain special education student populations would not be required to mask.
- Students would be extended opportunities to unmask during the day when social/physical distancing can be achieved; and
- Masks required when riding the bus, per federal mandate.
- Students and staff will NOT be required to wear face coverings when they are outside for recess, PE, or when learning in an outdoor space.
- After school events are optional to attend and do not require masking.
- Each building will review and collect data on absences, quarantines, positive cases, or CoVID-19 impacts and provide the Board an update on September 21.
- The Howell County Health Department will identify close contacts and quarantine guidelines.
West Plains Schools Back-to-School update: Zizzers.org
Federal Mask Mandate for Public Transportation: https://www.transportation.gov/safety/mask-travel-guidance
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