Students Required To Wear Masks, Social Distance

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

August 16, 2021

The Consolidated School District of New Britain and Bristol Public Schools will be requiring masking and the social distancing of students with the return of the new school year.

According to the CSDNB Reopening Plan and statements by Superintendent Nancy Sarra posted on the school’s website, the decision is being made in accordance with state guidelines.

“Because all of our students are not currently eligible to be vaccinated or have not yet received the vaccine, all students, staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks while in the school building in accordance with the requirements and guidelines set forth by the State of Connecticut,” Sarra said. “We know we can count on you to ensure your child practices the procedures outlined to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

This also asks students to wear a face mask while riding the bus. Exceptions are made for those having trouble breathing, are unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove mask without assistance. Mask coverings will also not be required for those per CDC guidance or who have a medical reason making it unsafe to wear a mask. A signed letter from a licensed medical professional listing why a student is unable to wear a mask is required.

Those in the school will maintain a distance of three feet in classrooms when feasible and potential alternative spaces for instruction will be considered if available. Students will not be excluded from in-person learning in order to maintain recommendations. “100% students in-school every day,” the plan said.

The New Britain district plan said when social distancing can be achieved, masks may be removed during eating, drinking, being outside or physical education. Exceptions may also be made for “certain special education students or other special populations.”

Those facing breathing issues may be asked to wear a face shield with a drape of cloth across the bottom and tucked into a shirt.

Principals will also establish time for mask breaks during the day.

Staff and teachers are asked to wear facial coverings that may be removed if there is enhanced social distancing, a static physical barrier or while eating and drinking or outside. Staff working with students not wearing face coverings due to exceptions may be provided with increased protective equipment.

Should there be a case of covid found in the school system, the local health department as well as the state will be contacted for further guidance. The decision to close or suspend a school or classroom will be made by the superintendent or their designee based on information from local health officials. Communications for many covid related decisions will be placed on the school district website.

According to the Bristol Public Schools Innovate and Elevate Continuation Plan, students are anticipated to return to 100% in-person learning for the coming year. Families may opt out for homeschooling.

School facilities will be frequently cleaned and all persons are asked to maintain a minimum distance of three feet apart and when space allows six feet apart. Social distance will be adhered to in all travel and classroom spaces.

All students and staff are asked to wear a cloth face mask in all school programs, schools or in large outdoor activities unless told by a public health official or by the school.

No person is to be granted access to student transportations or buildings without a mask unless they have trouble breathing, are considered unconscious or incapacitated and can’t remove a face covering without assistance. Any with a medical reason that makes it unsafe for wearing a mask is not required to wear one. Masks will also be provided to those who do not have one.

A schedule of mask breaks will be developed, said the plan, in coordination with teachers, building administration and potential a nurse of special education representatives. Considered factors will include student age, presence of medical condition or disability, temperature, activity level and development.

Face shields are not considered a sufficient alternative to face masks.

Masks may be temporarily removed if it is required medically or when services as part of an individualized education program would need it. This can include language and speech services and other such activities. Masks can be removed when they are not appropriate for an activity but other mitigating activities will be utilized such as social distancing.

Staff working with students not wearing facial coverings because of exceptions will be given further protective gear.

Attendance will continue to be monitored closely in collaboration with the Bristol-Burlington Health District. Those experiencing covid symptoms should report it immediately so that the appropriate reporting and containment measures may be enacted. Families are encouraged to seek their local health provider regarding information pertaining to vaccines.

Neither school district superintendent was available to speak when contacted as of press time.