Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Families
Masking Strongly Recommended effective Monday, January 24, 2022

1. Given the shift from masks being required to strongly recommended, effective Monday, January 24, will other mitigation measures be changed? We will continue to uphold all other mitigation measures that have been in place as part of our Health and Safety Plan.  The face covering/mask changes do not impact any other mitigation measures.

   

2. Will teachers rearrange their classroom desks/tables to provide further distancing between students?  Teachers will continue to provide 3′-6′ of physical distancing to the extent feasible in classrooms.
3. May a parent request their child’s classroom be based on teachers being masked/unmasked or vaccinated/unvaccinated? Mask and vaccination status will not dictate classroom, teacher, or seating assignments. In the event your child has a unique medical condition, you are encouraged to reach out to your building principal.
4. May a parent request their child’s seat in the classroom be based on other students being masked/unmasked or vaccinated/unvaccinated? Mask and vaccination status will not dictate classroom, teacher, or seating assignments.  In the event your child has a unique medical condition, you are encouraged to reach out to your building principal.
5. Will staff be expected to encourage students to wear their mask if the parent desires them to do so?  Staff will not be expected to monitor student adherence to parent expectations regarding masking as this is a parent/family decision. We respect the personal choices of our students and their families and ask that you discuss masking preferences with your child so students are clear on their parent’s expectations. 
   Masks continue to be strongly recommended in all school buildings.
6. Are staff expected to wear a mask? The District’s Health & Safety Transition Plan (v3 final) strongly recommends the wearing of masks. However, the decision is an individual’s choice.
7. Are masks required on school district transportation? Yes.  Per the CDC’s order on wearing masks on public transportation, regardless of the school mask policy, masks are required to be worn by passengers and drivers on school buses.  This includes district approved field trips and extra curricular activities utilizing district transportation.
8. Will there be an option at the elementary or secondary level for students to join classes via Zoom if required to quarantine?  There will not be an option for students to attend class via Zoom.  Students will be assigned asynchronous work for the duration of the imposed quarantine. Teachers will maintain a Google classroom that quarantining students can access. Students may choose to participate in the Mask to Stay (MTS) program.
9. What is Mask to Stay? Mask to Stay (MTS) – applies to unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated (refer to definition of fully vaccinated) STUDENTS or STAFF, who have been exposed to a confirmed positive COVID-19 person in the school community.  This does not apply to household exposures. These individuals will have the opportunity to participate in MTS. In PVSD, MTS requires mask wearing daily in school and outdoors (i.e., recess) for 10 days. An antigen test is also required between days 4-6 after exposure. PVSD will administer the antigen tests onsite prior to the start of the school day.
   If an unvaccinated STUDENT or STAFF chooses NOT to participate in MTS, MCOPH recommends they stay home for 5 days. After that, continue to wear a mask for 5 additional days.
10. Where can I learn more about the District’s approach to mitigating COVID-19?  Covid Information – Perkiomen Valley School District.