With the influx in positive COVID-19 cases throughout Nebraska and in Hooker County during the past week along with the new directed health measure for the state of Nebraska that Governor Ricketts presented yesterday (goes into effect at Midnight tonight), Mullen Public Schools will move to a face covering requirement for all 6-12 students and all staff members starting on Wednesday November 11 . The initiative will be reevaluated on November 30. Face coverings will be required in instances where the six feet social distancing requirement is not optional. Due to the learning style of the K-5 grades, the district's current stance is that K-5 students will not be required to wear masks at this point.
While the district realizes that this decision will come with mixed emotions, we, as a collective school district of teachers, board members, coaches, administration, and classified staff believe that this is going to be our best chance to keep school in session in person, especially during this more stringent directed health measure.
During sports, face coverings will not be required due to the nature of both basketball and wrestling. It is the district's stance that face coverings could hinder students during basketball and wrestling due to the amount of aerobic exercise that is required in each sport.
The following provisions will be followed:
FACE COVERING REQUIRED
Face Covering Requirement for Students. All students must wear cloth or multi-layer disposable face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, until such time as the directive is removed by the administration or board of education. An appropriate fitting mask must fully cover the students' nose, mouth, and chin. If students do not have an appropriate mask, one will be provided for them. Exceptions will be granted as required by law. Failure to wear a face mask may result in disciplinary consequences up to and including emergency exclusion, suspension, or expulsion.
Face Covering Requirement for Staff. Staff must wear cloth or multi-layer disposable face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, until such time as the directive is removed by the administration or board of education. An appropriate fitting mask must fully cover the employees' nose, mouth, and chin. Exceptions will be granted as required by law. Failure to wear a face mask may result in disciplinary consequences up to and including termination of employment.
Once again this initiative will be reevaluated on Monday November 30, 2020. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding throughout these unprecedented times.
If you have any questions, please contact the school at 308-546-2223