Mask Mandate Lifted February 28, 2022

Dear SSCPS Families,

Earlier this week Governor Baker announced that the Massachusetts mask mandate for school districts will expire on February 28 and not be extended. The DESE memorandum sent by Commissioner Jeff Riley on February 9, 2022 is attached for your reference. The memo states the following: 

After consulting with medical experts and state health officials, the Commissioner will not renew the state mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022. Effective Monday, February 28, the DESE mask requirement will be lifted statewide. The Commonwealth’s high vaccination rates and widespread availability of COVID-19 testing for school personnel and students supports this decision. 

The South Shore Charter Public School will continue to follow DESE and DPH recommendations and will adopt the mask optional policy for students and staff beginning on February 28, 2022. 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear masks in school settings. In line with DESE and DPH recommendations,  mask wearing will continue to be required in three scenarios:

1. In compliance with the DESE-DPH Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios, mask wearing is required for all students and staff returning from quarantine for up to five days, inside and outside while attending school or work to align with quarantine timelines and guidance. 
2. The SSCPS Health Office will continue to require students and staff to wear a mask while in the Health Office in compliance with the DPH order. 
3. Masks must be worn on all school buses and school transportation per federal mandate.

Please remember that individual students and staff members retain the right to wear a mask on campus at any time regardless of health protocols or immunization status. The decision to continue to wear a mask in the school setting is a personal one and will be supported by our school community. 

Sincerely,

Alicia E. Savage
Executive Director
South Shore Charter Public School
781.982.4202 Ext. 101
www.sscps.org