RCPS Mask Policy Parent Update / Sample Letter

School Board Office
6 Schoolhouse Road
Washington, Virginia 22747
Telephone (540) 227-0023
Fax (540) 987-8896
www.rappahannockschools.us
Important Mask Policy Update

January 21, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Our school division is informing parents and guardians that, in accordance with Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 2 and Order of
Public Health Emergency 1, RCPS is updating its mask policy enforcement procedures to align with the state requirement. This
means that parents can now choose whether or not their child should wear a mask at school. At this time, RCPS policy remains the
same—that all students, staff, and visitors continue to wear a mask at school until the recent surge of the Omicron variant subsides,
however, parents now have an option to elect that their child NOT be subject to this part of the policy. In addition, the federal CDC
Order for Public Transit is still in effect, meaning there will be no change to the masking policy on school buses. Students will still be
required to wear masks on school buses until the federal order is lifted, as well as when certain infectious disease regulations require it
(days 6-10 post quarantine).
We ask that you please consider using the following decision making flow chart when deciding whether your child should continue to
wear a mask while at school:
It is highly recommended that your child

Is your child continues to wear a mask while at school
immunocompromised or during times when community transmission is
frequently around family high.
members who are at high
risk*** for developing
complications as a result of
Has your child been contracting COVID?
Your child may be at lower risk to self
fully vaccinated* or and others when not wearing a mask at
has your child had school.
COVID in the last 3
months?
It is highly recommended that your child
continues to wear a mask while at school
during times when community
transmission is high.
In the last 10 days, has your YES It is highly recommended that your child continue
child been in close contact**
to mask for at least 10 days after close contact with
(not general exposure) with a
a person who has tested positive. This is a
person who has tested positive
requirement at school for days 6-10 after close
for COVID or has your child
contact and quarantine.
tested positive for COVID?
* Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
** Close contact means being within 3-6’ of a person for 15 minutes or more who has tested positive for COVID 19 depending on masking status of each individual at the time of contact.
*** Those at higher risk of developing complications from COVID infection include older adults (65 years+) and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions.
Parents should continue to monitor their child’s health and the health of their families for COVID-19 symptoms. Children with
COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been
reported in some children.
Children with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart
conditions, or weak immune systems, might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Contact your child's healthcare
provider regarding any concerns.
People without symptoms do not need to seek care or be tested. Those who become ill should contact their healthcare provider. Their
doctor, in consultation with public health officials, will determine appropriate care and whether testing is necessary. If your child has
been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19, please report this to your school. This information will be kept confidential. If your
child is tested, please ensure your child stays home until test results are reported.
The CDC has updated its guidance on the types of masks that offer the most protection against Omicron. Please consider the
following chart when deciding which type of mask to provide your child (KN95 masks may be available upon request, contact your
child’s school nurse to inquire about availability if interested). Students wearing KN95 masks will not be subject to quarantine rules.
If after reading this information, you would like to elect for your child(ren) to not be subject to any mask requirements in your child’s
school or school program, please fill out the information below and send to your child(ren)’s school. If your children are at both
campuses, you can send in one form with all names to either school. It is not required that you use this format. You may send a note
to school with your child electing they not be subject to the masking part of the school board policy in lieu of this form. Remember,
students will still be required to wear a mask on school buses and after close contact/quarantine on days 6-10. Also, the executive
order is subject to change at any time pending challenges already petitioned in court.
Student Name: ________________________________________________________ Student Grade: ______________
Parent/Guardian Name (please print): ___________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature / Date: ______________________________________________________________________________
* Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
** Close contact means being within 3-6’ of a person for 15 minutes or more who has tested positive for COVID 19 depending on masking status of each individual at the time of contact.
*** Those at higher risk of developing complications from COVID infection include older adults (65 years+) and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions.

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School Board Office

Important Mask Policy Update

It is highly recommended that your child

Student Name: __________________________________________ Student Grade:

Student Name: __________________________________________ Student Grade:

Student Name: __________________________________________ Student Grade:

Student Name: __________________________________________ Student Grade:

Student Name: __________________________________________ Student Grade:

Parent/Guardian Name (please print): ___________________________________________________________________

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