Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi

||UPDATED June 8, 2021

Dear Delaware Academy Families,

Thank you for your patience as we have waited since Friday for clarification and updated requirements from NYS regarding the use of masks in schools.  Last night, NYS DOH re-issued its Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction During the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency. This is the same document that schools have been required to adhere to throughout the pandemic.  Each time it has been updated and released, our district, in turn, has updated its practices and procedures accordingly.

Consistent with this update, beginning immediately, students, staff, and visitors have the option of not wearing a mask while outdoors on school grounds.  This includes all end-of-year activities and athletics that are held outdoors.  Students and staff will continue to wear masks inside the school buildings and on school busses.  I have asked our building principals to ensure ample mask breaks are provided to students indoors as the warm weather has arrived.  Teachers will have the option to move instruction outdoors when it is conducive to do so.

I certainly understand that there is growing sentiment against the requirements to wear a mask in our schools.  While it has been suggested that we engage stakeholders in this decision, this is simply not a local decision to be made.  We must continue to follow officially released guidance from bodies that govern public schools in NYS.

Specifically, updated NYS DOH language states:

"Face Masks: Responsible Parties must maintain protocols and procedures for students, faculty, staff, and other individuals to ensure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect against the transmission of the COVID-19 virus when in indoor school facilities. Specifically, appropriate PPE means, at least, an acceptable mask, which is required to be worn by all individuals in all classroom and non-classroom settings, including but not limited to hallways, school offices, restrooms, gyms, auditoriums, etc.  All visitors must wear masks. Masks should have at least two layers of material (e.g. 2- ply). However, Responsible Parties should allow students to remove their mask during  meals. Acceptable masks include but are not limited to cloth-based masks (e.g., homemade sewn, quick cut,), and surgical masks that cover both the mouth and nose. Effective June 7, 2021, face masks are not required to be worn outdoors on school grounds, including during outdoor school sports. However, Responsible Parties may choose to require face masks outdoors on school grounds, subject to the parameters of this guidance. No student, teacher, staff member, or visitor may be prevented from wearing an acceptable face mask voluntarily on school grounds."

        Our District has adapted to numerous changes through this school year for a singular purpose: to return students to school safely.  We have done so successfully, against great odds.  We have had success because of our collective resolve to serve the children of this district, despite many differing opinions.  

I appreciate the overwhelming support this community has provided to all who learn and work in the Delaware Academy Central School District.  We are quickly coming to the end of a tumultuous school year but we are doing so in celebration and with gratitude for the year we have navigated together.