(Updated June 16, 2021)
Dear DCS Community Member:
Based on an executive order issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, DCS has modified its mask wearing protocols for outside activity effective June 7. Mask wearing will no longer be required outside for any school activity.
However, Gov. Cuomo has stated that the CDC will not change its guidance regarding mask wearing inside schools at this time, and so state requirements for masking inside schools will still be in effect. District mask policies include requirements for mask use on school buses, in classrooms, and in school hallways. Teachers have been encouraged to allow students to take mask breaks as needed throughout the school day, especially because of the warmer weather.
This change in mask policy does not extend to end of the year celebrations such as graduation, however. Unvaccinated individuals attending in-person end-of-year celebrations must be masked for those events.
It is important to note that districts are required to follow executive orders, laws, and official guidance from the NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health) or NYSED (New York State Education Department) and cannot choose to do otherwise. I am very sympathetic to the desire to put this pandemic behind us. While I am very optimistic that we will begin next year normally, we must stay the course for a little while longer.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dr. James Niedermeier
Superintendent
Duanesburg CSD