Cranston Schools Go Mask-Optional After State Mandate Expires

CRANSTON, RI — Cranston students had the option to be bare-faced in class Monday, for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. After the state mask mandate expired Friday, the district shifted to a mask-optional approach in city schools. Masks are also no longer required on buses.

The decision was made based off the latest guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, district officials said in a message to the community. Under the new policy, students and staff have the option to go mask-free in classrooms, regardless of vaccination status. The district strongly encouraged all eligible students and staff to get their COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot if they have not yet.

While they are no longer required, anyone who chooses to may continue to wear a mask, the district said. Following the bullying policy, there will be zero tolerance for anyone who shames anyone else for choosing to wear a mask, the district said.

Going forward, the district will continue to follow quarantine and isolation guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health, which may require masking in certain situations. Athletic teams will follow the guidance from the CDC and Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

As part of the change, the district will no longer conduct asymptomatic surveillance testing in schools. With parents' consent, symptomatic students will continue to be tested.