Current as of Aug. 18, 2020

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that K-12 teachers, staff, and students wear cloth face coverings in public settings as able when around people who live outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. CDC has provided guidance that CAC has utilized to develop our face covering guidelines (see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/CFC_Guide_for_School_Administrators.pdf and  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html)

A key consideration has been the recognition by CDC that young children (e.g. preschool or early elementary aged) may be unable to wear a mask properly, particularly for an extended period of time. The school will adhere to all ADH and DHS requirements and wearing of masks has been prioritized at times when it is difficult to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others (e.g. during carpool drop off or pick up, or when standing in line at school). CAC has modified class and common spaces to provide for physical distancing in as many school situations as possible.

Early Childhood (PreK-3, PreK-4)

Elementary School (K-4)

Grades 5-12

Students may remove face coverings for eating and drinking;

Students may remove face coverings when appropriate physical distancing measures are in place as determined by a CAC staff member;

Students may remove face coverings on a case-by-case basis for specific instructional needs, including physical education activities, as determined by a teacher, in which case the teacher will require appropriate physical distancing measures;

Students may remove face coverings while participating in athletic activities where a six foot distance is not achievable, but a mask is inhibitory to the activity or active exercise; or

Students may be exempted due to a documented health concerns.

CDC Guidance to Parents and Guardians Regarding Face Coverings

Cloth face coverings should not be worn by:

• Children younger than 2 years old.

• Anyone who has trouble breathing.

• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.

Actions to consider:

Suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Consider providing your child with a container (e.g., labeled re-sealable bag) to bring to school to store their cloth face coverings when not wearing it (e.g., when eating).