September 7, 2021

We are working toward resolving the concerns of parents.  Many parents submitted a request for an exemption from the Mask Mandate.  Below we have come to middle ground until we can evaluate those requests and have your children in the buildings and a solid learning environment.

We appreciate your cooperation.

Three options:

1. Students may attend school wearing an appropriate facemask.
2. Students whose parents submitted a request for an exemption from the Department of Health Mask Mandate may have their child(ren) attend school with an appropriate face shield or other accepted face covering while the district evaluates all requests.  (information below)
3. Students who wish to do online learning must apply for the FLEX Program (Call 814-837-9570 ext. 3201, Mr. Jay Israel) by Friday, September 10^th.  After that date our live streaming of classes will only be for those students who are excluded from school due to contact tracing, those students who are isolated due a COVID-19 positive test or a student who has other serious health conditions as stipulated by a physician. This is as per the Health and Safety Plan that was passed by the Kane Area School Board on August 12, 2021.

The current livestream of classes will not be available after Friday, September 10^th.  Parents should select the best option above for their child(ren).

We appreciate your cooperation.

Accordingly, on this day, August 31, 2021, in order to prevent and control the spread of disease, I hereby order: Section 1. Definitions For purposes of this Order, the listed terms have the following meanings:

“Alternative to a face covering” may include a plastic face shield that covers the nose and mouth, extends below the chin and to the ears, and leaves no exposed gap between the forehead and the shield’s headpiece. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised there is currently not enough evidence to determine how much protection a face shield provides to individuals around the person wearing the face shield because of gaps where respiratory droplets may escape. The CDC does state, however, that face shields may still be an option in situations where wearing a cloth face covering is not otherwise feasible. “Department” means the Department of Health of the Commonwealth.

“Face covering” means covering of the nose and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. A “face covering” can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen. A “face covering” may be factory-made, sewn by hand, or be improvised from household items, including, but not limited to, scarfs, bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. While procedural and surgical masks intended for health care providers and first responders, such as N95 respirators, meet those requirements, these specialized masks should be reserved for appropriate occupational and health care personnel.