Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Students:
On Friday, February 25, 2022, we announced that masks/face coverings will be optional in Baltimore County public school buildings, facilities and offices beginning Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Masks/face coverings will also be optional on school buses and in health suites in alignment with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Please note that masks will be required:
- For individuals who return to school/work under a shortened quarantine option after a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure (masks must be worn at school until 10 days have passed since the beginning of symptoms or last date of exposure).
- For individuals with COVID-19 symptoms who are being seen by the nurse in health suites.
We understand that the decision to wear or not wear a mask in Baltimore County public school buildings and facilities is a personal choice. Every student and staff member should feel supported in making the decision that is best for them. BCPS will not tolerate any bullying, harassment, or intimidation when it comes to the choices students and staff make about masking. Families are encouraged to have conversations with their children about this important issue. Parents, guardians, staff, and students can report incidents of bullying by completing this form. Signs will be sent to schools and posted throughout BCPS schools and facilities this week. Staff can also print the signs and post them in their offices and throughout the buildings. Student and staff safety and well-being remains our top priority and our schools must be safe and welcoming places for all.
As a reminder, BCPS will continue to take the following steps to protect the health of students and staff:
- Increase Access to Vaccines: BCPS, in collaboration with the Baltimore County Department of Health, will host additional school-based vaccine clinics.
- Monitor Disease Trends and Guidance from Public Health Leaders: BCPS will continue to monitor disease trends and update its mitigation plan in response to the data and guidance from the county and state health departments as well as the Centers for Disease Control.
- Distribute Additional KN95 Masks: BCPS will continue to order and distribute KN95 masks to students and staff who are interested in wearing a higher filtration mask that offers an additional layer of protection.
- Utilize Comprehensive Health and Safety Strategies: Our multi-layer efforts include improved ventilation, daily cleaning, COVID-19 testing, case monitoring, contact tracing and quarantine. Visit our COVID-19 website for more information.
Thank you for your support.
Baltimore County Public Schools