BSCSD: A Message From the Superintendent on the Termination of Mask Breaks

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa Central School District’s Superintendent of Schools, Ken Slentz, has made an announcement on the district’s website regarding the termination of mask breaks during the school day. The Message From the Superintendent is as follows: 

“Late Friday afternoon we received the latest Commissioner’s Determination from the NYS Department of Health. While all components of the previous masking requirements for schools remain in effect, ‘This determination does not provide for the implementation of mask breaks during the school day, nor does it provide for an exception to the masking requirement on the basis of minimal social distancing in classrooms.’

Due to the timing of the release, I have informed our staff that today [Dec. 13, 2021] may be used to phase out mask breaks while explaining the new rule to students which is in place until at least Jan. 15, 2022, at which time the state will reevaluate the determination. 

Please note that the only change is that mask breaks are no longer allowed. Students will still be able to remove their masks during drink breaks and while eating, and when outside the school buildings for recess and Physical Education classes.” 

Contact BSCSD with any questions on this change at schoolopening@bscsd.org. 

Read the full Commissioner’s Determination from the NYS Department of Health here: bscsd.org/cms/lib/NY02211965/Centricity/Domain/8/Commissioners%20Determination%20from%20the%20NYS%20Department%20of%20Health%20-%2012.10.21.pdf.