Mask and Face Covering FAQ

Only students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are part of the mandatory face mask/covering policy. While Preschool students are welcome to wear masks, it is not mandatory at this time. We have learned from our medical advisory committee that if everyone is wearing a face covering in the building, coming in short contact with an individual who tests positive is considered low risk, and we can remain open. Two people wearing masks decreases transmission of virus by more than 95 percent. If we received notice of a positive case and we were not wearing face coverings, all individuals who came in contact with that person would be required to quarantine for 14 days. Because face masks are mandatory, only the class of the person who tests positive would be required to quarantine for 14 days.

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings for the following reasons: 

1. A cloth mask can help individuals cover a cough or sneeze; reducing the spread of germs.
2. Some people with COVID-19 have mild to no symptoms, and may be spreading the virus unknowingly. Cloth masks could help cut down how far the virus spreads.
3. Cloth masks can prevent you from touching your face, and can be a visual reminder to practice social distancing.

Under the advisement of our Reopening Taskforce, we have ordered samples of visors/hats with a clear shield that covers the face, as opposed to a face mask. These are recommended for students in Kindergarten and First grades, or parents may opt to send their child in a mask.

While masks and face covering are required for all K-8 students, we are recommending specific face coverings for children in Kindergarten and First grade. CDS will not provide face coverings. Students should bring their own disposable or cloth mask daily. With the city mandating masks over the summer, most individuals likely already own them, and may have a preference on the type of masks they wear.

According to health professionals, there is no danger in wearing a mask all day. Doctors and nurses wear them daily, many for the duration of a 12-hour shift. 

Students will be welcome to use outdoor learning/play as an opportunity to take a break from wearing a mask. The expectation is, however, that students without masks will stay separated by at least 3 feet while outdoors. We understand this can be difficult for students to maintain. If any student has more than one instance of close contact with another person while not wearing a mask/face covering, they will be asked to wear their mask/face covering again.

Your child may wear a disposable mask or a cloth mask. The CDC suggests that surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for medical professionals. While Community Day School will not require a uniform mask, the only requirement is that masks/face coverings must not be considered distracting, scary or offensive.

Our Physician Taskforce has determined that neck gaiters and bandanas do not provide the necessary protection required to be used as a mask or face covering. We ask that no neck gaiters or bandanas are worn as the sole face covering on campus. Any student or staff member who wears a neck gaiter or bandana will be provided with an alternative disposable mask to wear for the day.

Community Day School is researching options for individuals who are hearing impaired, including a face shield or a cloth face covering with a clear insert around the mouth.

We are considering the use of a face shield as opposed to a face mask for students/staff for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition. Under no exception will a student or staff member be allowed to forgo all face-covering options. Students who cannot wear any face covering may opt for virtual learning. Please contact the director of your school for more information.

We anticipate requiring a face covering for the duration of the 2020-2021 academic year. Should this change, we will communicate the update in policy with families both in writing and on our website.

As a community, we have to keep each other accountable. It will be the responsibility of all faculty and staff to ensure face coverings are being worn in all required locations, including classrooms, break-out rooms, the Piazza, hallways, and lounge areas. When eating, students should cover their faces until they sit down to eat and then put the mask back on immediately after. Masks are required when moving through shared spaces

At this time, there is no evidence that someone who has been infected with COVID cannot be infected again. For that reason, we will continue to require masks.

Whenever possible, classes will shift to picnic-style dining in an outdoor space. Should weather or other extenuating circumstances prevent classes from eating outdoors, students will be separated by a minimum of six feet to eat in their classroom.

We encourage families to have multiple masks and to send an additional mask along each day in the same way they may send a change of clothing. Should your student have no extra masks, Community Day School has a limited supply of disposable masks that we will distribute to students who forget their face covering.

According to the CDC, individuals SHOULD:

• Wash their hands before putting on a face covering.

• Put it over the nose and mouth and secure it under the chin.

• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of the face.

• Make sure they can breathe easily.

When removing the mask:

• Untie the strings behind the head or stretch the ear loops.

• Handle the mask only by the ear loops or ties.

• Fold outside corners together.

• Place covering in the washing machine or trash.

• Be careful not to touch the eyes, nose, and mouth when removing, and wash hands immediately after removing.

Individuals SHOULD NOT:

• Put the covering around their necks or up on their foreheads.

• Touch the face covering, and, if they do, wash their hands.

Our Physician Taskforce has determined that neck gaiters and bandanas do not provide the necessary protection required to be used as a mask or face covering. We ask that no neck gaiters or bandanas are worn as the sole face covering on campus. Any student or staff member who wears a neck gaiter or bandana will be provided with an alternative disposable mask to wear for the day.