Protest Of Masking Planned Before Aug.23 TESD Board Meeting

BERWYN, PA — A protest of an indoor mask mandate is planned for Aug. 23 at Conestoga High School just before the start of the Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board meeting that evening, as a group said it aims to "unmask TE."

A flyer advertising the 5 p.m. protest at 200 Irish Road, Berwyn, states, "Masks should be optional." It was published since TESD Superintendent Dr. Richard Gusick sent a memo to the School District community explaining TESD would follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. That guidance means face-coverings were required starting Aug. 16 for anyone older than 2 entering a District building or a school bus, regardless of vaccination status, Gusick's statement explained.An invitation to the masking protest event can be viewed here.

The TESD mask policy comes two weeks before the start of the school year for students, and states that TESD would continue to follow the CDC's updated mitigation strategies for COVID-19 transmission.

The planned protest reflects contention about masking expressed in prior school board meetings in TESD and in many other school districts. "Come join us and make your voice heard," the event flyer reads.

The event flyer does not designate any sponsor other than "TE parents and students." Patch sought comment from a parent group supporting the event, but did not receive a response.

Gusick said on Friday, "TESD has been closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we have been in ongoing consultation with the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) throughout the summer. During the 2021-22 school year, we will continue working with the CCHD to respond to COVID-19 cases in our schools, including contact tracing and quarantining as needed."

T/E Incidence Rate In 'Substantial' Risk Range

The guidance looks at COVID-19 incidence rates in an area, recommending masking when that metric is over 50 per 100,000 persons — a level representing "substantial" risk of transmission.

In Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, the COVID-19 incidence rate has risen in each of the last four weeks and last week crossed into "substantial" risk. Week-by-week it's gone from 17.49 to 27.48 to 49.96 to 64.95 per 100,000 residents on Aug. 13, according to the Chester County Health Department.

Details of the COVID-19 Mitigation Protocol that became effective on Monday as communicated by TESD are:

• Masking. Anyone 2 and over is required to wear a face-covering while indoors in any District building and on school buses regardless of vaccination status. Click here for CDC information on proper mask-wearing. Masking is optional but welcome during outdoor activities such as recess, activity, or PE. Although quarantines may still be required, universal indoor masking will greatly reduce the necessity for educational interruption for all students and staff.
• Physical Distancing. TESD will work to maintain at least 3 feet of physical distancing between students whenever possible. Physical distancing of fewer than 3 feet may occur in classroom activities, building transitions, transportation, lunch, or other times during the day. The CDC has indicated that the inability to maintain 3 feet of physical distancing should not be a barrier to full, in-person instruction, provided the District implements other prevention strategies such as mask-wearing.
• Symptom Screening. By sending their child to school, families are affirming that their child does not have any COVID-19 symptoms, has not been directed to quarantine, and is not otherwise sick or ill. A daily symptom screener submission in PowerSchool will no longer be required.
• COVID-19 Testing. Pending the provision of testing supplies from the CCHD and CHOP, the District anticipates being able to conduct rapid antigen testing, both in response to COVID-19 cases and as a screening measure. Weekly screening antigen testing will be available to all unvaccinated students and staff. A survey will be provided prior to the start of the school year to identify those who wish to participate.

The next meeting of the TESD School Board is on Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

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