Beaverton Schools Masking Rules Changing, There Will Be Proms

BEAVERTON, OR — Tuesday brought a series of changes to the masking policies of the Beaverton School District. The changes are meant to give more freedom to students by allowing field trips, overnight trips, and athletic events.

Also, the district said that there will be proms.

While the district says that a hold on other dances is still in place, proms will be allowed. Schools are encouraged to have them outside where masks will not be required. If a prom is indoors, mask will still be needed.

The district also lifted a ban on visitors, changing the policy so that some visitors – particularly authors, artists, and presenters – will be a blessing to come to schools

Schools will be allowed to host military recruiters, career day participants, in-person parent-teacher conferences, and more. In all cases, visitors who go inside schools will have to wear masks.

Some restrictions on volunteers are also being lifted by the district.

Starting Tuesday, it will be up to principals to allow volunteers into the school. All volunteers must first register in the district's volunteer management system so background checks can be conducted. Volunteer Service Projects will be allowed to resume as well.

The district is also going to allow field trips and overnight trips.

A series of rules are now in place, bringing changes to athletic events and performances:

• Athletes and coaches who are not actively participating (e.g. on the sideline) during indoor practices or games are required to wear masks. Athletes and coaches who are not actively participating during outdoor practices or games are not required to wear masks. Athletes who are actively participating either indoors or outdoors are not required to be masked.
• For indoor band, choir and theater rehearsals, participants are required to wear masks. For indoor performances, they’re not required to wear masks. No masks are required outdoors.
• Student spectators can attend athletic events and performances.
• Indoor venues will be utilizing up to 50% of seating capacity. To accommodate this restriction, schools may distribute tickets. Please check with your school for more information. Outdoor venues will not have capacity restrictions due to COVID-19.
• Indoor spectators are required to wear masks. Outdoor spectators are not required to wear masks.
• Spectators are encouraged to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between families/groups, to the extent possible. We recognize that social distancing at some athletic events may be challenging, so please only attend if you’re comfortable doing so.
• Indoor concessions will not be allowed. Outdoor concessions will be allowed.

The moves come as the state prepares to lift its indoor masks mandate by March 31.