FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - AUGUST 18, 2021
CONTACT: Anaka Bushman, Public Relations Coordinator
PHONE: 937-458-2330
EMAIL: anaka.bushman@gocreek.org
WEB: gocreek.org
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(Beavercreek, Ohio) On Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, Beavercreek City Schools updated its 2021-2022 COVID-19 mask requirements for all students in grades K-6. The district is now requiring students in all buildings in kindergarten through sixth grade to wear a mask while indoors.
The decision to update the mask policy came early Tuesday evening, after Governor DeWine and Ohio Director of Health Dr. Vanderhoff gave a press conference addressing masks in schools.
"The spread of the delta variant has dramatically accelerated in the last two weeks. We are at the highest number of new cases since February," DeWine said. He also pleaded to all those making school decisions; if you do not require masks, please think again. Dr. Vanderhoff added evidence and data that supported the governor's plea to wear a mask.
After some discussion, the district decided the best option to keep students safe, keep our students in the classroom, and reduce quarantines is to provide our younger students, those unable to receive a vaccination, an extra layer of protection. According to state quarantine guidelines, a student exposed to a positive person will not have to quarantine if the exposed student was wearing a mask during time of exposure. Mask wearing will keep more students in school.
"I understand many of our families are frustrated with the abrupt policy change. I, too, am frustrated," Superintendent Paul Otten said. "I have always felt strongly that parent choice is important and something our team fought hard to keep. Unfortunately, after hearing the press conference yesterday and seeing the new data, we feel this decision is one we have to make to keep our children safe and continue their education in a face-to-face setting."
The district will continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic on our students and staff and adjust its COVID-19 protocols accordingly. The safety of our students, staff, and all who visit our buildings is and will always be a top priority.
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Beavercreek City Schools creates a student-centered, inclusive learning environment through innovative opportunities which inspire and empower all to lead and serve. For more information about the district, please visit gocreek.org.