December 12, 2021

Dear Wayne Highlands School Community:

On Friday, December 10, 2021, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the Acting Secretary of Health’s school masking order.As was discussed at last week’s Wayne Highlands Board Meeting, in the event that the Supreme Court ruled that way, the District would then revert to its Health and Safety Plan that was approved by the Board on August 17, 2021.That plan would then be followed until such time that the Board reconvenes to determine how to proceed.As it turns out, the Board had already scheduled a meeting for Friday, December 17, 2021, at which time the Health and Safety Plan will be on the agenda to be reviewed and discussed.

The Board approved version of the Health and Safety Plan contains (in part) the following language regarding masking:

• When the level of Community Transmission is in the High Transmission (Red) category for Wayne County for a period of two (2) consecutive weeks, Face Coverings (masks) will then be required for a period of two (2) weeks.

As we sit today, Wayne County is currently in the High (Red) Transmission Level for the last two (2) consecutive weeks, meaning masks will continue to be required until the Board meets on Friday to discuss further.

Please note, the elimination of the Acting Secretary of Health’s school masking order does not change the federal requirement that all passengers and drivers wear a mask on public transportation, to include all public-school transportation.In addition, it does not change how schools respond to COVID-19 cases in schools, address outbreaks, or report data to the PA Department of Health (DOH).

Sincerely,

GREGORY FRIGOLETTO
District Superintendent

ARP ESSER Health and Safety Plan Guidance

**UPDATED ADDENDUM*** ARP ESSER Health and Safety Plan Guidance