UPDATE June 9, 2021 — Dear Ellenville families: Late in the evening on June 7, the New York State Department of Health released updated guidance regarding mask-wearing in schools. In response to this new guidance, effective immediately, the school district will no longer be requiring face masks to be worn outdoors on school grounds, including during outdoor sporting events. The guidance still requires that masks be worn by all students, staff, and visitors while inside our school buildings. Please be aware that even though masks are no longer required outdoors, no one shall be prevented from wearing one if they so choose. Also note that all students and staff must continue to follow social distancing protocols while on school grounds and in school facilities to protect against the possible transmission of COVID-19.
Note: This post was originally published June 7, 2021 and has been updated to include the above update regarding mask guidance.
Dear Parents/Guardians & Staff,
This past Friday, June 4, 2021, the New York State Health Department Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, released a letter that advised that the use of masks in the school setting was no longer required, but strongly recommended. He went on to say
that it is highly recommended that unvaccinated individuals wear masks.
On Sunday, June 6, 2021, New York State Commissioner of Education, Betty Roosa, advised school districts to continue to require the wearing of masks to remain consistent with Executive Order 202.60.
Therefore, we will not be changing our practice requiring masks in school at this time.
As we all know, this has been a very challenging and frustrating school year. We have been focused on keeping all of our in-person students safe and are planning on having our students return to a full, in-person, traditional school day this September.
We will continue to closely monitor all guidance from the State and local health departments and the New York State Education Department.
We will continue to provide you with more information as it becomes available.
Thank you so much for all of your patience and support this year. We are looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year.
Sincerely,
Lisa A. Wiles
Superintendent of Schools
Read the signed letter from the Superintendent (.pdf)