ECS Face Mask Policy Update
Dear ECS Families,
On July 27, 2021, the CDC updated its guidelines and recommended universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, and students in K–12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Based on these updated recommendations from the CDC and other experts in health and safety, ECS will require face masks for any individual entering a building.
This change is reflected in ECS’s updated health and safety plan and back to school 21–22 Fact Sheet.
In conjunction with ECS’s mission of environmental and outdoor learning, especially as we continue to navigate through the pandemic, students will have several opportunities to learn and play outdoors (weather permitting) during which times masks are not required. Students can participate in outdoor, socially distanced mask breaks determined by building administrators and faculty on an as-needed basis.
Learn more about ECS’s layered mitigation strategies and procedures, and review the links at the end of this email for building specific protocols around dismissal and arrival.
With the addition of this update in the safety policy, ECS has made the following modifications to its Meet and Greet on Aug. 16 from 5:30–7:30 p.m:
All attendees must wear a mask.
Meet & Greet will be held outside weather permitting.
Families are welcome to participate in a self-guided tour of the buildings. Please wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing while inside school buildings.
As COVID-19 is a fluid situation and recommendations are likely to change frequently, ECS remains committed to taking guidance from the CDC and state and local health departments. With any evolving situation, I understand that making these adjustments regularly is difficult, and I encourage you to reach out if you are in need of additional support. The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority, and while masks are mandatory, I look forward to this school year having similarities to pre-pandemic days and being filled with new experiences and opportunities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Amanda Cribbs, EdD
Superintendent
What’s Happening in Your Building?
Each ECS school is unique and has different COVID safety protocols around dismissal and arrival. Please click on your school to learn more about building-specific procedures.
What’s New at ECS?
Free Chromebook Distribution
During Meet and Greet Night, ECS will distribute some of our Chromebooks that are no longer in circulation to any family who needs them. The distribution will take place at the Intermediate School from 5:30–7:30 on August 16. At this time, we are only allowing one per family. If you are unable to make it to the Intermediate school but wish to have a Chromebook or would prefer to have it delivered to your student’s classroom, please fill out this form.
Please know that once distributed, they will no longer be managed, monitored, or serviced by the school. Any issues that occur with the devices are no longer the responsibility of the Environmental Charter School.
