Monday, September 27, 2021 Dear Lancer Parents/Guardians, In July, the DOH released guidance for the 2021-2022 school year to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in K-12 schools. Kennedy Catholic is subject to this guidance, and is following all directives from federal, state, and local public health agencies, in full alignment with the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Office of Catholic Schools. We are delighted that the guidance balances the standard precautions we have grown accustomed to with the need and desire to keep all students in in-person instruction. Although this virus and its variants continue to affect our school, our families, and surrounding communities, we are confident that this guidance is keeping our students safe while enjoying the benefits of in-person learning. Masks/Facial Covering Due to the risks posed by the Delta variant of the coronavirus to the community at-large, the State of Washington has mandated masks indoors/outdoors for all individuals during the school day, regardless of vaccination status. While two-layer cloth masks (fully covering the nose and mouth) satisfy state criteria, we encourage families to explore the options that may provide higher levels of protection when properly used (such as KN95, KF-94, FFP2 and their equivalents). Gaiters do not meet the minimal requirements. A) Masks are required indoors/outdoors, regardless of vaccination status, for all individuals when students are present. B) Faculty and staff who are verifiably fully vaccinated (as documented in accordance with state policies) do not need to wear masks inside a building when students are not
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