I hope everyone has enjoyed their first day back from break. I wanted to take a moment and update everyone on our mask mandate for employees and students. Currently, all individuals inside DPSCD school buildings, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask unless you are outdoors. 

Recently, the CDC and Michigan Health Department have removed their recommendation to wear a mask indoors, including in schools. However, we currently agree with the Detroit Health Department that, due to the city’s lower vaccination rates, our mask removal date will be later than other districts. There are two particular occurrences that need to occur before we remove our mask requirement. 

Firstly, we are reaching nearly 100% of students consenting to COVID testing and when that occurs, and non-consenting students are transferred to the virtual school, we will be in a better position to allow for optional mask wearing for employees and students. This should occur by mid-March, if not sooner. Secondly, we want to ensure that the state and city do not experience another surge after Spring Break as was the case last year. Once those two obstacles are cleared, we will consider lifting the mask requirement. Therefore, we will consider the elimination of the District’s mask policy for school buildings by mid-March and no later than mid-April.