Thank you to the numerous SJPDS families who filled out our most recent COVID-19 Survey as we evaluate comfort levels within our community. SJPDS has approached this virus with an abundance of caution and knows that this next phase will have challenges as we begin to off-ramp our protocols as safely as possible.

 

The results of our survey show that the majority of SJPDS families are ready to move to a Parent Choice option for indoor masks (73% Yes and 27% No). 95% are comfortable with no masks outdoors. Additionally, 76% of families are fine with teacher removal of masks in the classroom.

 

SJPDS will continue to do our utmost to meet the needs of the community as we follow the forward direction of our Governing bodies while following guidelines and reviewing medical and safety protocols thoughtfully. Our COVID-19 Taskforces have approved the Parent Option for masking to begin March 7th. With this relaxing of the mask policy, we strongly encourage all unvaccinated students to continue to wear their masks while indoors. Any family choosing for their child(ren) to not wear a mask must keep a clean mask in their student(s) backpack for any future large group/cohort gatherings (assemblies, Chapel, indoor recess, etc.).

 

Additionally, we request that families spend time next week (as we will be doing in school) discussing kindness and respect for differing family/student choices and comfort levels. Please inform your child(ren)’s teacher of your choice for student masking by Friday, March 4th. Our faculty will have the option to remove their mask as they are comfortable beginning the week of March 14th.

 

Please be aware and share with your student(s) that if positivity rates begin to climb at any time above the 5% rate for more than a week or two, we may be required to return to the mask mandate, in the future. Also, we will be following any COVID-19 variants closely. All other protocols for cleaning, quarantining, visitors in the building (masked), and travel will remain until May 1st when we will evaluate the need for possible extensions of these policies. We know this new phase of the pandemic will not be without challenges and concerns. SJPDS remains dedicated to the safety of our community and will continue to be cautious as we monitor our school health and safety and closely watch this extremely challenging virus.

 

Thank you for all your continued support of our wonderful community!