Dear MASD Staff and Families,

Today, the governors of Washington, Oregon, and California announced that in response to new CDC masking guidance, all three states will be adjusting the end date to their statewide indoor mask requirements.

Instead of March 21, as was previously announced as Washington’s end date, the indoor mask requirement in Washington will end at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 11. The first school day that masks will be optional at school and on school buses is Monday, March 14.

The Washington State Department of Health will be releasing updated school guidelines next week, which should provide more information and clarification for schools.  It is expected that guidance around distancing and other mitigation measures will soon become recommendations – instead of requirements. We will share this information when it is available.

You can read the full announcement about the end to indoor mask requirements after March 11, here. This graphic was also released by the Office of the Governor:

Thank you for your cooperation throughout this season, and I am glad that we are finally (and safely) returning to a more normal school environment.

~Bob