December 13, 2021
Dear Penn-Delco Parents and Guardians,
In light of the most recent change to the Governor's statewide K-12 mask mandate, the Penn-Delco School District reiterates its existing Board approved Health and Safety plan language on masks that states:
"The CDC and the PA Department of Health “recommends universal indoor masking for all staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status”. Accordingly, the district will recommend universal masking of all persons in our schools."
To ensure that we are in accord with the statewide changes to K-12 mask requirements, the District will continue to recommend that all persons in our schools wear masks, without the expectation of enforcing a mask requirement that is no longer in effect in Pennsylvania.
As a reminder, federal regulations still require that students riding our school busses continue to wear masks. Additionally, all students and staff who elect to utilize the Test-to-Stay protocol for close contacts (as a means to avoid a lengthy quarantine) must continue to wear a mask as a condition of the program.
Since the start of the pandemic, Penn-Delco has substantially limited the spread of the virus within our schools by honoring best practices that are recommended by health experts. Social distancing, mask wearing, providing information about opportunities for vaccination, and other mitigation efforts that can help prevent, rather than increase, the spread of the virus.
A primary goal remains keeping our schools open for normal operations in a safe and health environment so students can continue to participate in an effective and enjoyable school experience.
Continued well-wishes to all parents, guardians and families as we head into the upcoming Winter Break and New Year.
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. George Steinhoff - Superintendent of Schools
