Pittsfield Releases Plan For Masks In Schools Going Forward

The statewide mask mandate for schools will be lifted on Feb. 28, however, it's up to the districts themselves to decide when is best for them. As promised, Pittsfield Public Schools Superintendent Joe Curtis released an email and video to all parents, guardians, caregivers, students, and staff on Friday.

Slater and Marjo had the chance to speak with Curtis on Friday and he said that of utmost importance is, of course, to keep schools open. The following is an excerpt from that email outlining the plan for Pittsfield Public Schools.

During the week of February 28 - March 4, 2022:

All students and staff will be required to continue masking.  During this week, our district and school leaders will communicate with all families, staff, and students that every member of our school district will have the choice to wear or not wear a mask once the mask requirement is lifted. District and school leadership will follow a consistent response when choice is not honored and respected. District and school leadership will also communicate with staff, students, and families as to where to find support for those that are experiencing high amounts of anxiety related to being in an environment without masks.  

The 21-22 Pittsfield Public Schools Confirmed Case Report and Case History report will be monitored.

→ On Friday, March 4, 2022, all staff, students, and families will receive one of the following communications from the Superintendent:

• Mask Requirement Lifted on Monday, March 7, 2022

If all schools remain open with safe staffing levels and school COVID-19 case counts do not rise above previously documented case counts after vacations during the days of February 28-March 4,  I will communicate with school staff, students, and families that the mask requirement will be lifted beginning Monday, March 7, 2022.  No staff, student, or family member should assume a decision has been made until a communication is received from the Superintendent's office on March 4, 2022.  

OR

• Mask Requirement Lifted on Monday, March 14, 2022

If schools have to close due to inadequate staffing levels or if case counts rise to unprecedented levels during the days of February 28-March 4, the lifting of the mask requirement will be delayed until Monday, March 14, 2022.  Again, no staff, student, or family member should assume a decision has been made until a communication is received from the Superintendent's office on March 11, 2022.

The entire email can be accessed here.