Dear Parents:
Last week I informed everyone in one of my posts that the Department of Education had stated the district needed to follow its process for students referred to the 504 process. Last Thursday night, I spoke with our Board about the new guidance and how we would proceed moving forward.
On Friday, the Department of Education sent all superintendents an email and published a message on the Department’s website, and I am quoting the relevant portion of what it said, "Relatedly, this Order is not a mask optional policy. Any school entity simply permitting a parent's sign-off without evidence that the student has a medical or mental health condition or disability that precludes the wearing of a face covering is not in compliance with the Order. Under the Order, and as set forth in PDE's Answers to FAQs, school entities must require all individuals, two years of age and older, to wear face coverings unless the individual has a medical or mental health condition or disability that precludes the wearing of a face covering. In accordance with Section 3 of the Order, before an individual is excepted from the Order, all alternatives to a face covering, including a face shield, are to be exhausted. It is recommended that any exception be in accordance with eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or IDEA for such medical or mental health condition or disability. School entities should follow their established processes for determining student eligibility under those laws, including any medical documentation that they would normally require. There are exceptions to the Order; however, a parent's opposition to the Order is not one of them."
Therefore, a note from a medical or mental health professional will be required in order for a student to be exempt from wearing a face covering. This documentation will need to be sent to your child's school by the end of the day on Wednesday, September 22.
On September 23, any student who does not have documentation from a medical or mental health professional stating that he/she is exempt from wearing a face covering, will be required to wear a face covering during the school day and while attending any inside event at the school, with the exception of when the student is actively participating in an athletic event. We will continue to provide students with “mask breaks” as permitted by the State.
For those students who cannot wear a mask, face shields are acceptable as an alternative face covering. Face shields must cover the nose and mouth, extend below the chin and to the ears, and leaves no exposed gap between the forehead and the shield's headpiece. Should your child need this alternative face covering, please notify your child's school, and the district will purchase a qualifying face shield for your child through our partnership with Actuated Medical of Bellefonte.
I would encourage you to contact your local representatives in the Pennsylvania Legislature Senator Jake Corman's office at 814-355-0477, Representative Stephanie Borowicz's office at 814-353-8780, Representative Scott Conklin’s office at 814-238-5477, Representative Rich Irvin’s office at 814-692-4577, and Governor Tom Wolf’s office at 717-787-2500. The Board and I understand and share your frustrations with all the conflicting information that has come out over the past 18 months.
Sincerely,
Scott V. Graham
Superintendent