NYSED Mask Update

Dear Warwick Valley School Community,

Throughout the weekend, various media outlets reported that New York State would relax the requirement that students and staff wear masks in schools effective on Monday, June 7, 2021. This news stemmed from a letter written by Dr. Howard Zucker, NYS Commissioner of Health, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can view Dr. Zucker’s letter to the CDC here.

This afternoon at about 2:00 p.m., the New York State Education Department (SED) provided the following clarification:

“As of September 1, 2020, school districts were permitted to reopen, under Executive Order 202.60, ‘subject to adherence to Department of Health issued guidance and directives.’ These have included the submission of reopening plans to address, among other things, distancing and health requirements. SED has been in communication with Executive staff regarding the attached letter from Dr. Howard Zucker, New York State Commissioner of Health. According to conversations with Executive staff, the intent of this letter was to obtain a response from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding differing standards for summer camps and schools; it has not changed any existing arrangements. Therefore, schools should continue to operate under their existing procedures until further notice. No changes have been, or will be, made by the Executive until after Monday, June 7, to afford the CDC an opportunity to respond to the letter.”

Once new guidance has been officially issued by the NYSDOH and/or the Governor, we will update everyone accordingly, including keeping everyone informed of any changes to the mask mandate on school property. 

As you know, we anticipate hot weather for the start of this week. Most of our schools’ instructional spaces have air conditioning, and we plan to provide more extended mask and water breaks. 

Thank you for your continued patience. 

Sincerely,
David Leach 
Superintendent of Schools