Policy » Face Covering Policy

Face Covering Policy

                                            

Policy 4085


                            Policy for Face Coverings-COVID 19                                                                     


  1. PURPOSE

The COVID-19 Pandemic may require extraordinary action or protocols to keep the school community safe and facilitate orderly education of our students. The School Committee is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and their families. Pursuant to RI General Laws 16-2-9, 16-2-9.1 and 16-2-18, the School Committee has the responsibility to enforce applicable Federal and State laws, Executive Orders, rules and regulations, best practices and guidelines set forth from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and RI Department of Health (RIDOH) for face coverings.


  1. FACE COVERINGS WORN IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Based on the expiration of the governor’s executive order 21-87, slated to end after 5:00 pm on March 4, 2022, Cranston Public Schools will shift to optional mask/face covering wearing for all students and staff in buildings beginning on March 7, 2022 regardless of vaccination status.

Cranston Public Schools’ protocol regarding isolation and quarantine will follow the recommendations of the RI Department of Health. This may include a recommendation for masking/face covering under certain circumstances. 

Cranston Public Schools encourages vaccination for all eligible members of the school community, which includes the booster for those eligible.

During sports and related activities all athletes must follow the athletic guidance from the Superintendent, (or designee), the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and CDC based on the requirement of their sport.


In accordance with Cranston Public Schools’ bullying policy, publicly shaming or bullying any individual due to the status of a mask/face covering will not be tolerated in any way and may result in disciplinary action.






III.  BUSING AND STUDENT TRANSPORTATION


When transporting students, we will follow CDC guidance, orders and regulations, which, as of February 25, 2022,  no longer requires mask/face coverings on public/private school buses or vans operated by the school district. 



  1. EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES

The School Committee recognizes that that the continued prevalence of COVID-19 and all its variants creates a dynamic emergent situation resulting in the potential change in public health and safety recommendations and orders from the CDC, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Governor of the State of Rhode Island or in the district’s approach to health and safety measures.


In the event any mandatory order is issued in this regard, the Superintendent is   directed to forthwith amend the District’s response to COVID -19 pandemic and to conform with all such orders.





  

Policy Adopted:10/5/2020 (Res. No. 20-10-04)                  CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Policy Amended: 11/16/2020 (Res. No 20-11-07)                   CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND

Policy Amended: 06/14/2021 (Res. No. 21-06-13)

Policy Amended: 08/16/2021 (Res. No. 21-08-08)

Policy Amended: 09/13/2021 (Res. No. 21-09-02)

Policy Amended: 02/28/2022 (Res. No. 22-02-09)

Policy Amended: 03/14/2022 (Res. No. 22-03-06)