Masking Update – 2/28/22

Good evening Red Raider community:

This is an important announcement on masks while in school.

Earlier today, the governor determined that as of Wednesday, March 2nd, masking while in school (including transportation) would be optional and a personal choice unless a town or county still mandates them.  The option to wear a mask will be left to families/students and faculty/staff so long as the county is in a “green” (low positivity) zone per the new CDC metrics. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html

The governor also stated that schools would be provided additional information either Monday (tomorrow) or Tuesday afternoon. As soon as guidance is provided, we will share an update. 
So here’s what this means for Mechanicville City School District families, students and staff right now:

  • Monday, Feb. 28 and Tuesday, March 1: students and staff must wear masks in buildings and on school buses.
  • Wednesday, March 2 and beyond: students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks in MCSD buildings or on school buses. 

We have done a terrific job as a district and community during this pandemic. With our continued dedication to the students, families, faculty, and staff at MCSD, I know we will continue to progress forward.

Again, until the final guidance is released on Wednesday, students and staff are obligated to continue mask wearing while in school.  Once the mandate is lifted, it is up to all of us to support individual choice and be accepting regardless of the personal decision to wear a mask, or not.  There is no right – or wrong – choice, moving forward we need to support the choice that each of us make for our own reasons that is best for each individual.  

Although masks will no longer be required in schools effective Wednesday, March 2, it is highly recommended that those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for serious illness continue to wear masks. In addition, students and staff always have the option to wear a mask, if they feel more comfortable doing so as we recognize this is a personal choice and expect such decisions will be met with mutual respect by all. 

I would like to thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we navigate the ever changing landscape this pandemic has created. We also appreciate the support of the MCSD community and your efforts to put the health, safety and education of our students first.