After an unprecedented first week of school and a long holiday weekend, I hope you all are starting this week with excitement as we begin to figure out our new routines and settle into the new school year. To keep you all up to date on the latest health guidance, I want to be sure you are all aware of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) latest order regarding meeting spaces in administrative offices.  

PDE’s response to masking order as it applies to administrative offices and other facilities where students are not present: 

Administrative buildings of ‘School Entities,’ are included in the order. All children/students, teachers, staff and visitors ages two years or older while indoors working, attending or visiting such a facility, regardless of the individual’s vaccination status, must wear a face covering unless they meet the exceptions noted in Section 3 of the Order.  

Section 3.D. permits individuals to remove masks indoors when working alone and isolated from contact with other people with little or no expectation of in-person interactions. When face coverings are not being worn, additional prevention strategies, such as physical distancing and increased ventilation, become even more essential to protect children/students, teachers and staff. 

Please note that this is a change from our previous CCIU guidance where vaccinated individuals could meet unmasked when students were not present. If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact your direct supervisor.  

After 18 months, we have all become experts at adjusting our practices as guidance changes. I continue to value your support and flexibility as we work to ensure the health and safety of our staff, students and visitors. Please continue to be well and stay safe! 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Fiore