Dear HCSS Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff,
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education has called for the mask mandate in schools to be lifted on Monday, February 28, following the February school vacation week in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This news comes as Covid rates continue to drop in Massachusetts and Covid vaccines remain freely available to individuals aged five and older.
As of Monday, February 28, Hampden Charter School of Science students and employees will no longer be required to wear masks. Parents who wish to send their child to school without a mask are free to do so; similarly, parents may wish to send their child to school with a mask. All who continue to wear a mask are unquestionably affirmed in their decision.
I would like to bring the following notes to your attention as we move forward:
*In the absence of universal masking, HCSS East and West may need to modify certain school protocols and procedures.
*The federally mandated requirement for students to wear masks on school buses remains in place.
*Vaccines, we believe, are safe, effective, and widely available. Those who are eligible to be vaccinated are encouraged to do so. This is the best line of protection against Covid in the absence of universal masking.
*If circumstances arise, such as an increase in Covid cases in the school or local community, or a new statewide mandate, HCSS reserves the right to require school-wide mask-wearing.
*If a child is sick, has Covid-like symptoms, or is needed to quarantine, parents must act properly and keep their children at home.
*Individuals with Covid-like symptoms will be sent home from school and will be allowed to return in accordance with school policies.
We have worked together over the past two years to protect the health and well-being of our students and employees. We appreciate your cooperation and support as we work together to achieve the academic and social growth of our students in a safe and secure environment.
There are brighter days up ahead!
Sincerely,
Tarkan Topcuoglu
Superintendent/CEO
