The mask requirement is part of a series of health and safety measures outlined in Plano ISD’s draft plan for a return to school, which was shared with parents earlier today.
“It is important to remember the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread by infected persons who have few or no symptoms,” the draft document read. “Because of the hidden nature of this threat, Plano ISD expects all employees, students and families to rigorously follow these practices.”
The policies, while subject to change, represent the fullest picture yet of what a return to classrooms could look like if schools are able to reopen in the fall.
Under the draft policy, students grades 3-12 would have to wear face coverings while at school, with some exceptions, including while eating or participating in some athletic activities where mask use is impractical. Younger students, from pre-K through second grade, would be required to wear masks in hallways and other common areas, including during arrival and dismissal from school.
The district will provide a reusable face covering to students and staff. Parents would be expected to wash the mask daily and replace it if it is lost or no longer usable.
The draft policy was released a week before the district will require parents to report their interest in the district’s alternative, fully remote learning track. Parents have until July 16 to sign their children up for the remote learning option. Those who do not sign up for remote learning will be opted into the in-person classroom option, the district said.
In addition to the mask rules, the district would also require daily screenings for students and staff to determine whether they display symptoms of COVID-19. Parents would be expected to take their children’s temperature each day as part of this process.
If a student were to exhibit possible COVID-19 symptoms while at school, their parents would need to come pick them up within an hour of being informed of the illness. Their classmates would be removed from the room, which would then be disinfected.
Individuals—including staff or students—with possible symptoms of the virus would be barred from entering campuses or district buildings for two weeks.
Cafeterias would require six feet of distancing between students while eating, the district said. Some students may be required to eat in their classrooms if there is not sufficient space.
Regular disinfection and access to hand sanitizer would be among the other health and safety measures outlined in the draft policy.
For more details on the fall semester, read the district’s draft policy here.
