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BUSD Policy on Masks for Students

BUSD Policy on Masks for Students

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH) http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/masks/  have advised school districts to require masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as a part of their reopening plans. Students and staff who need accommodations regarding face masks should refer to the BUSD Guidelines on Masks for Students with IEP’s or Medical Exemptions. As guidance changes, we will update our policies.

What is a mask or cloth face covering?

A cloth face covering or mask is a material that covers the nose and mouth. It can be secured to the head with ties or straps. BUSD recommends a 2-ply cloth mask that fits snugly around the face and nose. Students and staff are encouraged to bring their own mask, but BUSD will provide one if needed. Gaiters, scarves, bandannas are not suitable as they are not typically a 2-ply cloth.

 

Why wear a mask?

Public health guidelines indicate that covering your nose and mouth can slow the spread of COVID-19 because:

  • Individuals can be contagious before the onset of symptoms. You may be contagious and do not know it. If you have covered your nose and mouth, the mask acts as a barrier to prevent the spread of infectious disease to others.
  • We touch our face less when our face is covered. Touching your face after touching something contaminated with COVID-19 increases your chances of getting sick with COVID-19.

 

When should I wear a mask?

You are asked to wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you are in public, at work, or on a BUSD school site or facility. Wearing a mask does not eliminate the need to physically distance yourself from others and to wash your hands frequently.

 

How should I care for a cloth face mask?

It’s a good idea to wash your mask frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily. If you must re-wear your cloth face mask before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face. Discard masks that:

  • No longer cover the nose and mouth
  • Have stretched out or have damaged ties or straps
  • Cannot stay on the face
  • Have holes or tears in the fabric

 

What will be the school discipline for students refusing to wear a mask or follow health and safety guidelines? (parent of students requiring accommodations should contact the school nurse or administration)

  • Students not following health and safety guidelines, will receive a reminder and/or warning for the first offense

(Depending on the age and maturation of the student, students may need several reminders regarding health and safety guidelines like wearing their mask properly)

  • If a student refuses to comply with health and safety guidelines, then the teacher or staff member will call and inform parents
  • If a student continues to defy guidelines, then the teacher or staff member will send an office referral to administration
  • At that time, administration will meet with students and parents and have them sign a contract indicating they have been warned that future refusal to follow health guidelines will result in suspension or placement in Distance Learning. If parents and students refuse to sign the contract, then the student will be placed on Distance Learning.
  • Student suspension for ongoing defiance of health and safety guidelines.
  • Student will be placed in Distance Learning for ongoing refusal to follow health and safety guidelines.

 

*Please feel free to email Stacy Cashman, Director of Student Services, at stacycashman@burbankusd.org with any questions.                                                                                                                                        Rev. 3.18.21