Masking

Beth Shumate

August 21, 2021

The Magazine School Board met this afternoon and voted to require masks for all  K-12 students and staff until it is reevaluated at its next board meeting on September 9th. This decision was made due to an increase in COVID activity within the school district. 

Please see the written policy below.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ON WEARING MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS In consideration of the recommendations and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Arkansas Department of Health, and the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education; the Executive Orders issued by the Governor of the State of Arkansas; and in accordance with the Magazine School District’s policies governing the wearing of personal protective equipment and the District’s Communicable Disease Exposure Prevention Plan, the Board is adopting the following Emergency procedures for all students and employees of the District. STUDENTS Until further action of the Board, all students in kindergarten through the 12th grade are required to wear a mask or face covering (a) while attending school or a school function in any school building, facility or other area of a school campus, and (b) when riding in school-provided transportation. All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the student. This Emergency Procedure applies to students waiting outside school buildings before and after school, and to students waiting at bus stops. Students shall wear masks and face coverings at all times except for the following: Students may remove masks and face coverings for eating or drinking; 

  • Students may remove masks and face coverings when appropriate social distancing measures are in place as determined by a teacher or school administrator; 

  • Students may be exempted from this Emergency Policy by the school principal due to a  documented medical condition of the student; 

  • Students may remove masks and face coverings on a case-by-case basis for specific instructional needs, including physical education activities, as determined by a teacher, in which case the teacher will require appropriate social distancing measures to the extent possible; or 

  • Students may be exempted from this Emergency Policy due to special behavioral or individualized needs as determined by the Director of Special Education, Building Principal or Superintendent. 

  • Participating in athletic activities where a six feet distance is not achievable, but a mask is inhibitory to the activity. 

 

Students who refuse to wear a mask or face covering at school or at a school function under this Emergency Procedure shall be subject to discipline consistent with District Dress Code Policy and exclusion from on-site instruction.   

 

EMPLOYEES 

 

Until further action of the Board, all District employees shall be required to wear a mask or face covering while working or attending a school function in any school building, facility or other area of a school campus. All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the employee. Employees shall wear masks and face coverings at all times except for the following: 

  • Employees may remove masks and face coverings for eating and drinking; 

  • Employees may remove masks and face coverings when appropriate social distancing measures are in place; or 

  • Employees may be exempted from this Emergency Procedure by the school principal or the Superintendent due to a documented medical condition of the employee. 

Employees who refuse to wear a mask or face covering at school or at a school function under this Emergency Procedure shall be subject to discipline consistent with District Policy, suspension without pay and/or termination.