Since Springfield Local Schools first felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, district leaders have received significant feedback from families and community partners regarding the consistency of our communication efforts. Even those who are not pleased or disagree with decisions will concede that the efforts have been easy to understand and thorough. The most recent updates have involved announcements concerning the district’s mitigation strategy that requires the use of facial coverings/masks by all individuals while in district facilities and transportation vehicles.
Medical experts with the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and Toledo Lucas County Health Department stress that masks are an essential layer of protection; the risk of COVID-19 transmission is significantly lower with the correct use of facial coverings when combined with other efforts such as social distancing, frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.
In a December 28 letter to school superintendents, many of Ohio’s hospital presidents went so far as to thank districts who are continuing to require masking, writing, “This simple step is one of the best ways that we can slow the spread of the virus.”
The district will continue to require the use of facial coverings/masks through February 18, 2022, the end of the second trimester.
At that time, unless a surge in COVID-19 cases demands otherwise, the district intends to move to a policy of optional masking at the start of the third trimester, February 24.
Upon the start of optional masking on February 24, Springfield Schools will follow the “mask to stay and test to play” guidance from the Ohio Department of Health, meaning any student having close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 must wear a mask inside district facilities for the prescribed period of time provided by district nurses.
As part of our commitment to student/staff health and safety, the district continues to encourage staff, students and families to become vaccinated. Vaccine availability is high in our area and Springfield Schools has held multiple clinics for those wishing to receive the shots. Please call 419- 867-5762, for assistance finding a vaccine location.
Additionally, the district has an online schooling option for district residents only. Opportunities to opt-in or opt-out of attendance in the Springfield Digital Academy (SDA) will open again for the third trimester.
After winter break, the survey link for all interested families to enter or exit the SDA for the start of the third trimester will be offered through an instant alert email message.
