Good afternoon Spring-Ford Family,

I want to take this opportunity to remind our families that the new state-issued masking Order went into effect today and will remain in place when students return to school tomorrow. When planning for this school year, our focus was to keep our schools open and keep our students in school, and to do that, Spring-Ford will follow the Order in place. As shared last week, we will honor 2021-2022 Medical Exemption Forms WITH a medical signature, and masks will be provided for individuals who do not submit a Medical Exemption Form. Individuals who do not submit an exemption form and do not accept a mask when provided may be required to meet with their School or House Principal.

FAQ's from the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
Are there exceptions to the Acting Secretary of Health's Order?
All individuals must wear a face covering while in school entities unless they meet one of the exceptions in Section 3 of the Order. In these instances, Spring-Ford will honor 2021-2022 Medical Exemption Forms WITH a medical signature. 

What type of mask complies with this Order?
"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. Click here for a CDC Guide to Masks.

Are vaccinated individuals required to wear masks in schools?
Yes. Due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant, the Order applies to all children/students ages two years or older, staff, teachers, and visitors when indoors in school entities, regardless of vaccination status and community transmission level. 

Are individuals covered by this Order required to wear a mask outdoors?
No. The Order does not require face coverings when outdoors. Individuals should follow the most current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Opens In A New Window on mask use outdoors.

Do groups using the school after hours have to follow the face mask order?
Yes. The Order applies to all activities occurring indoors in the school entity, regardless of when the activity occurs.

Does the mask mandate include indoor sports for athletes?
A student who is participating in a sports practice activity or event, whether indoors or outdoors, may remove their mask during active play. However, masks are mandated in the locker rooms, training room, Hurda, classrooms, buses, etc.

While this Order may feel like a setback to some, I’d like to suggest we focus on the progress we have made just a week into the new school year. Spring-Ford opened schools as usual to 5-day in-person learning. Our first day of school started with normal first-day jitters, new teacher excitement, and some tears as parents sent their first-time kindergarten student or last first-day senior student into school. The September calendar is full of Back-to-School Nights, school socials, Friday Night Lights, and October 18-23 will mark a week of Homecoming activities. We are moving forward here at Spring-Ford, and I am encouraged that our community will come together to make this an outstanding school year.

Thank you for your support,

Mr. Rizzo
Superintendent