Board to consider masking at the high school

With about 5% of all high school students and staff reporting positive cases of COVID since Winter Break, administration is asking for students and staff at SAHS to wear masks to help slow the spread. 

Masking is currently a strong recommendation for high school students and an expectation for staff. But the school board will be asked to temporarily expand its current preK through grade 8 universal masking requirement to include the high school. The board will consider this request at their January 20 meeting, and if approved, masks will be required for a minimum of two weeks beginning January 21. 

With a shortage of substitutes and an increase in staff absences across the district, the current COVID surge is making it more challenging to meet the needs of our students. Staff members at all levels are feeling the strain. 

While we remain committed to keeping schools open, we need your help. Here are some of the  other ways families can help prevent further spread of COVID-19 throughout the district:

• Stay home if you are feeling sick.
• Get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID or have been exposed to COVID - even if you’ve been vaccinated. Free COVID tests are available from the health office, or you can go to the Stillwater Armory for rapid testing Wednesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Avoid non-essential gatherings where physical distancing and masking are not possible, as they may increase their risk of COVID-19 exposure. 
• Get vaccinated. Public health recommends vaccination as the number one mitigation strategy. Vaccinations are available through a variety of local clinics and vaccination locations.