Masks at The Glen
Updated October 28, 2022
Masks are the first line of mitigation strategies for containing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 and are among the most effective. Throughout this pandemic, The Glen’s focus has remained unchanged: the health and safety of staff and students AND the Montessori in-person school experience.
We continue to focus on those two priorities, yet recognizing the evolving nature of this pandemic, The Glen has updated our mask policy effective October 28, 2022. Masking within The Glen’s building is related to the rating established by the CDC and reflects the following:
– LOW: Masking is optional indoors. Masks are no longer required to move around the building and interact with different cohorts.
– MEDIUM: Masking is optional indoors. Masks are no longer required to move around the building and interact with different cohorts.
– HIGH: Masking is required indoors.
Masking is optional outdoors at all levels of community spread. Children under the age of two are not required to wear masks.
Families are notified weekly by the Friday Head of School Message to determine the level for the upcoming week.
When in a state of High Community Spread – as determined by the CDC, an appropriate mask is considered to be either a:
— Disposable mask (generally considered a medical or surgical/procedure mask with 3 or more layers of material, including a fluid-resistant barrier) or,
— A cloth mask, which is three-ply, is made of tightly woven cloth with a fluid-resistant layer. (100% cotton/quilting-type material that includes a filter and fluid-resistant layer, or 3-ply Polypropylene nonwoven fabric. Jersey/t-shirt weaves are not acceptable.)
When necessary to wear masks in our building, The Glen suggests students use disposable masks or one of the following reusable masks below during the school day.
Henry Masks and Happy Masks have been successfully used by many Glen students. Additionally, here is a list of additional resources that families may consider (they have been researched by independent third parties and may/may not have current availability):
Ultimately, if your child’s teacher is not comfortable with the mask they wear to school due to quality or fit, they will swap the mask out for a disposable mask to be worn during the school day (masks will also be replaced if they become soiled or wet).
Please note that face shields are not permitted as the only form of face covering but are encouraged to be an additional layer of protection in appropriate settings. Face masks with valves are also not permitted.