As we have previously shared, masks will become optional for PSD students, staff, visitors, and volunteers in most school settings beginning on Saturday, March 12. We will follow the updated K-12 Schools COVID-19 Guidance that Washington Department of Health (DOH) released on Tuesday, March 8. A summary of the updated requirements and recommendations is below.
• Masks will no longer be required in most school settings, including when riding buses.
• Masks are still required to be worn in health and isolation rooms.
• Masks may be temporarily required if there is an outbreak or cluster of positive cases in a school or classroom.
• Masks will be provided to those who choose or are required to wear them.
• Harassment toward those who choose to wear a mask or not wear a mask will not be tolerated. Those who experience or witness such behavior are encouraged to contact a school staff member to report or use our SafeSchools Alert tip reporting system.
• Physical distancing will continue to the extent possible.
• Those with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested or see a healthcare provider before returning to school or work. 
• Those who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home for 5 days and may return to school or work on day 6 if they are asymptomatic or are fever free and symptoms improve significantly without medications.  
• Individuals who meet the requirements to return to school 5 days after a positive COVID-19 test are required to wear masks for days 6-10 or provide a negative COVID test result. 
• Contact tracing is no longer required. Because of this, we will cease our Test to Stay program. A list of testing sites available within our community will be shared with those in need of testing.
• Families and staff will be notified by email of positive cases at their school within 24 hours of the district being notified of a case.
• Staff are still required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an exemption.

We continue to appreciate the persistence and resilience you have shown in adjusting to the many changes we have seen throughout this pandemic. The change to the mask mandate will be welcome news to some who may be relieved and happy that masks are no longer required. At the same time, others may feel anxious and not ready to be without a mask for a variety of reasons that are important to them. The choice to wear a mask or not is an individual decision and we will work to support all students, staff and families to the very best of our ability regardless of their personal choice. We will be kind and extend grace to others in all circumstances and ask that you join us in this endeavor.