Mask Mandate Update

PDF Version

November 30, 2021

Dear Parents and Students:

Despite the rapidly changing – and conflicting – guidance from federal and state officials regarding the wearing of a face mask for students and staff while in school as a protective measure from COVID, we will continue to apply universal masking in our school as outlined in our Health and Safety Plan updated and approved by our Joint Operating Committee on October 13, 2021. We will follow our current Health and Safety Plan even if state officials announce the expiration of the Mask Order on December 4, 2021 or January 17, 2022 or any other date.

Until you receive communication from the Administration of DCTS, face coverings will continue to be required indoors at DCTS. Additionally, students and staff will still be required to wear a mask during any school-related transportation event such as transportation from your sending school to DCTS, field trips, transportation to job sites, post-secondary tours, etc. in alignment with the CDC order regarding public transportation. 

I have attached our current Health and Safety Plan for your review. Below is the section on Universal Masking:

Health and Safety Plan – Universal Masking

The Dauphin County Technical School will implement universal masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, when the levels of community transmission are substantial or high in Dauphin County. Masking will be optional when the levels of community transmission are moderate or low in Dauphin County. 

However, Dauphin County Technical School will follow COVID-related mandates by the Governor, CDC, or the State Department of Health regardless of Dauphin County community transmission.

 Face covering exemptions for students:

  • Eating or drinking
  • Outdoor activities
  • When wearing a face covering creates unsafe conditions
  • Medical or mental condition or disability documented in accordance with a 504 Plan or IEP that precludes wearing a face covering

As you review our Health and Safety Plan’s Universal Masking guidelines, please keep in mind that our students are from all school districts and communities throughout Dauphin County. Therefore, our plan was designed to protect students across Dauphin County.

Please note that any currently documented mask exemptions will expire when state officials deem the September Mask Order no longer active. If your student requires a mask exemption, a doctor’s order must be provided explaining the medical or mental health condition for the mask exemption.

As a reminder, whether you believe face masks are effective or not, whether you are convinced there should be a mask requirement or not, I am again asking for your partnership around our shared goal…to keep our schools open with minimal disruptions to learning!

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Karen Pflugh, Ed. D.

Administrative Director