Dear SCCPSS Families and Staff:

Thank you for your trust and cooperation as we continue to manage the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and its emerging variants. We want to thank you for your support that has helped us keep our doors open 5-days a week for in-person learning.  We know that our students want and need to be in school.  Your commitment to safety has made this possible. 

Our entire team has been closely monitoring the school system's case numbers and we are pleased with the significant decrease in our quarantines and positive cases in the last four weeks. Additionally, there has also been a downward trend of positive cases in Chatham County.

SCCPSS has remained committed to listening to health professionals and utilizing a thoughtful approach for the implementation of our safety protocols to include the use of layered mitigation strategies and making appropriate adjustments to account for the changing conditions of the pandemic.  Based on declining transmission rates within our schools and community, and the high level of vaccinations among our staff, we have decided to move to optional face coverings (Mask Optional) starting on March 1, 2022, for all students and staff while inside any school or facility. 

The federal face covering mandate for students and drivers regarding school transportation is still in effect.  Anyone on a school bus must wear face coverings while being transported in order to comply with the federal mandate.

While face coverings will be optional, we strongly encourage staff and students to consider the use of a mask while indoors.  The CDC has recently indicated that the use of masks while indoors in areas of high transmission (CTI over 100) is recommended.  We ask that you continue to wash your hands frequently, maintain appropriate distance where possible, disinfect high touch surfaces, and avoid large gatherings that could be potential super-spreader events.  Also, staff and students should stay home when sick and monitor for symptoms of Covid-19.  Contact your school nurse with questions and to seek guidance as to when a sick child should return to school.  Taking these simple precautions is the best way for us to continue in-person learning. 

Staff will continue to monitor positivity rates for Covid-19 and make appropriate adjustments in the spirit of safety to ensure our schools remain open and operational.  The District will respond to positive COVID cases and may implement quarantine protocols when necessary.  This infographic is provided for additional information.  Visit our Health And Safety page at sccpss.com for more information on quarantines and close contacts. **Those returning from isolation or quarantine will be required to wear a well-fitting mask per public health guidelines. 

Again, we are thankful for the partnership with our families and students, teachers and support staff, our business partners and Medical Advisory Panel for helping us stay safe and stay open for in person learning.  Our efforts have helped to keep more students in the classrooms and participating in sports and other activities. We remain committed to providing in-person learning 5-days a week through the end of the school year.