The week of February 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made updates to their guidance for schools related to Covid-19 safety measures. We expect the DC Department of Health to also issue updated guidelines shortly. Within two weeks of their release, we will communicate any changes to our policies after we have reviewed and evaluated them using our community values of safety and equity.
Given the reduction in community level spread in the District of Columbia and the vaccination rate among the Mundo Verde community, we are announcing the following updates to our Covid-19 policies:
Masks are optional during outside time only effective March 15, 2022. This means they are no longer required during arrival, dismissal and recess on March 15; however, individuals may choose to continue wearing them during that time. Masks continue to be required inside the building for all individuals except when actively eating, drinking or napping. Teachers will be reviewing norms and routines with students over the coming week for this change. To be transparent, under the current guidelines, we are still required to contact trace positive cases so if you or your child may have an increased possibility of being identified as a close contact or for PreK being ineligible for test to stay when masks are removed outside.
Field work during the spring! We are preparing to launch field work by bus in the spring. Instructional leadership will work with teachers and operations to set up the necessary protocols and planning required.
Increased visitors into the building. There will be increased opportunities for planned entry into the building for activities such as expos and tours for families and caregivers. Arrival and dismissal will continue to occur outside for the remainder of the year.
We will continue to use multiple mitigation strategies for safety including masks indoors, routine screening testing and staying home when sick. We appreciate your patience as we continue to evaluate our procedures with the best interest of our entire community in mind. Thank you for everything you are doing to keep our community safe.