FLORENCE-Florence City Schools (FCS) will require masks for individuals in all K-6 schools, beginning August 19, 2021. The decision to require masks in grades K-6 was made because children under 12 cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Given the increase in COVID-19 cases, specifically the increase in the number of cases in children, Florence City Schools is taking this step to protect students that otherwise have few other forms of protection from the increased spread of COVID-19 while at school. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s (ADPH) 2021-2022 Back to School Guidance Toolkit, if students are masked and properly distanced, asymptomatic students do not have to be sent home from school if they are exposed to COVID-19. FCS will follow the guidelines ADPH has set forth in their toolkit for contact tracing in schools.
FCS strongly recommends the use of masks for grades 7-12. Because masks are strongly recommended and not required, contract tracing protocols will be in place for students in grades 7-12. Parents or guardians will be notified if their student is a close contact of a person testing positive for COVID-19. FCS will follow the guidance of ADPH regarding contact tracing.
Masks must be worn by everyone inside any K-6 school. Exceptions to the inside masking requirement will include students involved in physical education and while eating. Faculty and staff exemptions include adults being alone in classrooms, offices, etc. Masking will not be required for individuals while outside a K-6 school.
Following the guidance of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), face coverings are mandatory for any person on a school bus.
Florence City Schools will reevaluate our masking requirements as the 2021-2022 school year progresses. The Florence City Board of Education will have the opportunity to revisit the mask requirements for all grades as
Dr. Jimmy-Shaw
necessary.
“Last year, 2,499 FCS students missed more than 25,000 in-person instructional days because they tested positive for COVID-19 or they were a close contact of a person testing positive for COVID-19. Virtual education is an excellent tool in the FCS toolbox, but it is not the correct resource for all situations. For the overwhelming majority of Falcon Families, we learned that in-person instruction was not just a want but also a need for our students’ mental, emotional, and academic health. This school board and I are making decisions to keep our students and teachers in the classrooms and keep them physically safe. Most students and families in grades 7-12 can choose whether or not to take the vaccination. Our children in grades K-6 have no choice. If the health circumstances change at grades 712, we will come back to the table and make whatever changes necessary to keep our students in school and put additional measures in place to prevent further spread,” stated FCS Superintendent Dr. Jimmy Shaw, following the meeting of the Florence City Board of Education on Tuesday evening.
Media Release/Carter Watkins/Communications Coordinator/Florence City Schools
