JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Public School District has released its fall reopening plan, which includes a mask mandate for all students, staff and visitors.
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker in a statement outlined the reopening strategy Friday, preparing for all students to return to full-day, in-person instruction starting on Wednesday, September 1.
Whitaker says the district is following all CDC, American Pediatric Association and any future Chautauqua County Health Department guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Specifically, Whitaker says the district will require all to maintain a minimum of three-feet social distancing, all must wear masks while inside all school buildings and on school buses for the safety of students who cannot yet be vaccinated.
He says however, there will be built in “mask breaks” included in daily instruction. While eating meals, students and staff will also be able to remove their masks.
Masks are optional outside school buildings except during morning COVID-19 screenings, which Whitaker says includes temperature checks at each school at the beginning of the school day.
“As a district, we understand the need and importance of in-person learning for our students,” said Whitaker in a statement. “We thank our families and staff for their understanding during these challenging times and their help in ensuring that our school community stays healthy and safe.”
Home instruction will only be available to students who have a confirmed diagnosis and documentation from a physician. The district says a signed note from a physician will be required.
Those with a medical health condition are asked to contact Sheri Fowler at Student Support Services at sheri.d.fowler@jpsny.org or 483-4393 for a Home Instruction Form. The Medical Homebound Instruction Form will need to be completed by a licensed physician and returned to the Director of Student Support Services, Chad Bongiovanni at chad.a.bongiovanni@jpsny.org or 197 Martin Road.
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