DPSCD Staff,

Please be advised that based on updated health recommendations from the CDC and MDHHS for the start of the school year, the district will require all employees and students, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask while in school buildings. In addition, all employees and students will be required to participate in weekly school-based COVID saliva testing. Testing will occur at your school or central office location during the workday. Employees will not be required to administer student testing. Teachers may wear a shield instead of a mask while engaging in instruction, if they prefer. This will also be the case for personnel working with students in small groups. As was the case last year, masks and shields will be provided to personnel upon request. Masks will be provided to all students. Before the school year begins, all employees who are currently not working in school buildings or central office will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID test a week before their return. The district will establish saliva testing sites at no cost to employees before the start of the school year. Details regarding those sites will be shared shortly. We will facilitate fall opening engagement sessions via Teams once again starting on Monday. Login information, including dates and times of the sessions, will be shared with you by Friday.

As always, please send me any questions or concerns.