Masks not required in district, except in buses and school vehicles

The first day of school this year is going to look a lot different from the first day of school last year, thanks to the easing of guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to staff, students and parents earlier this month, Superintendent Kyle Stumpf announced that Holyoke School District will not be requiring face coverings for any student or staff member in school buildings to start the 2021-22 school year.

Gov. Jared Polis has ended all state health emergencies and mandates, including the face covering mandate.

Even though face coverings are not a requirement in the school, Stumpf said both unvaccinated and vaccinated staff and students are encourage to and may choose to wear face coverings if they desire.

“The school district, administration, teachers, staff and coaches will strive to ensure that every classroom and education space is a welcome environment for those students and staff who choose to continue to wear face coverings or choose not to wear face coverings,” he said.

However, the state of Colorado is required to follow the federal mandates regarding students riding a school bus. “At this time, all students, coaches and bus drivers, regardless of their age and even if they have been vaccinated, are required to wear a face covering while riding a school bus and/or in a school vehicle,” said Stumpf.

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