Saturday, March 12, marks the end of the mask mandate in Washington state. Among the locations that will no longer require a mask to be worn indoors are K-12 schools.

Auburn School District Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati sent a letter home to district families this week, addressing mask-wearing in ASD schools. “We think this is an important step toward improving educational outcomes and social, emotional, and mental health outcomes for students and staff. This opportunity comes as community COVID rates are low,” Spicciati said in the letter.

After acknowledging concerns some may still have, Spicciati provided points as to what the update means for ASD.

Effective March 12, masks are optional and not required in ASD, except in the health room and isolation room (per health department requirements)
The district will continue to follow the Washington State Department of Health guidelines
Masks are optional on buses
Anyone may choose to wear a mask and will not be required to remove it
Schools will continue to physical distance when possible
Students and staff must stay home when sick, no matter what the illness is

Spicciati concluded his letter thanking students, staff, and families. “Our community has come together in amazing ways during the last two years and this is a milestone for us.”

Superintendent Spicciati’s Full Letter

“Dear ASD Families:

As you may know, per the Washington State Department of Health, mask-wearing will be optional for most students and staff effective March 12.

We think this is an important step toward improving educational outcomes and social, emotional, and mental health outcomes for students and staff. This opportunity comes as community COVID rates are low. I want to personally acknowledge that many staff, students, and families still have concerns and encourage continued mask-wearing for all who wish.

Below are key points about what this change means in the Auburn School District:

• As we have done since the pandemic began two years ago, we are following the Washington State Department of Health guidelines

• Effective March 12, masks are optional and not required in ASD, except in the health room and isolation room (per health department requirements)

• Masks will not be required for anyone- it is a personal choice for each student, staff member, visitor, and community member in every classroom and setting except the health room and isolation room

• Masks are optional on buses

• Masks will continue to be available in each building

• Anyone may choose to wear a mask and will not be required to remove it

• We expect kindness and support of individual mask-wearing decisions and will not tolerate bullying

• Schools will continue to physical distance when possible

• Continue great hygiene with frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer

• Students and staff must stay home when sick, no matter what the illness is

• We will continue to follow the DOH guidance-this could change in the future based on public health metrics

• Masks are welcome, but not required

We hope this is helpful in understanding what the new guidance means for the Auburn School District. Our community has come together in amazing ways during the last two years and this is a milestone for us.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alan Spicciati

Superintendent”

The above letter was provided by the Auburn School District. The Auburn Examiner has not independently verified its content.