Optional Masking: resources

March 2022:
Mask optional posters
NYS updated masking guidance to schools 
NYS Frequently Asked Questions on optional masking and testing

The New York State Department of Health has issued updated guidance for school districts as we emerge from the indoor mask mandate. This guidance has been reviewed with the Monroe County Department of Public Health, and below are a few of the main points.

The NYSDOH update in its entirety may be found at this link and click here for the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from NYS.

*   NYS removed the universal masking in schools. Students, staff and visitors are no longer required to wear a mask in any school setting (this includes on the school bus). 

*   In all settings, masking continues to be required upon return from isolation during days 6-10 after COVID-19 infection.

*   Masking, regardless of vaccination status, is strongly recommended for 10 days after a known exposure.

*   SCSD will continue to send state-supplied test kits home with students. No action is needed for families who previously opted out of receiving kits. 


COVID-19 symptoms

If your child becomes symptomatic at home, please keep them home and administer an at home rapid antigen test. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please contact your child’s pediatrician and report the positive case to the MCDPH and follow isolation and quarantine instructions from the NYSDOH Isolation/Quarantine Guidelines:


*   Students who receive a positive test or diagnosis: Complete this form

*   For students who need an electronic Monroe County COVID-19 positive test/isolation order and release document, please go to the Monroe County website to complete a reporting form at the link above (even if the form was completed previously)

We are now able to accept results from at-home rapid antigen tests. If your child has a negative COVID-19 rapid test, is fever free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving, then your child may return to school.


Students who become symptomatic during the school day should visit the school nurse. School nurses will use their clinical judgment to assess symptomatic students at school and may offer students a rapid antigen test with parental consent. Parental consent will consist of a written affirmation via email to the school nurse.


*   All students who enter the health office will be offered a mask.

*   Asymptomatic students who have been exposed to COVID 19 may have the option to test to stay at school. This can be done at school, with consent, by the school nurse or at home with an at-home rapid antigen test. This includes testing for those who have been exposed on days 1 and 5.

*   Spencerport Central School District will continue to offer families our PCR Testing Clinic two days each week.

*   Maintain our district’s COVID webpage with updated information and links to positive cases.


Previously, we provided the following resources on masking and supporting students through change. These family resources may be found below for your convenience:


*   Superintendent Swann's family message on anticipated optional masking (Feb. 24, 2022)

*   Common Ground Health: school masking facts

*   Supporting students through change

The district’s goal is to create a learning community where every student feels safe, supported and valued. We respect individual choice and ask that you reinforce this same message at home.

Feb. 2022:

Superintendent's update on NYS lifting mask mandate

Superintendent's update on Feb. 24 related to masking

Family resources for proactively talking to your students about optional masking:

Talking with your students about optional masking

Common Ground Health: School masking fact sheet