Dear OMMS Families:
As we put a wrap on week #1 back at OMMS after the tornado, I want to express my continued thanks for the constant encouragement many of you have provided upon our return to school. We have accomplished a great deal in our four days back together, including the completion of ACAP testing.
Here’s a quick reminder that Shelby County Schools will not be in session tomorrow (4/23) as students get a break from in-person and remote learning for an extended weekend.
Also, this afternoon I reminded students per Dr. Brooks’ email message sent to parents on April 8th that the mandatory mask ordinance will no longer be in effect for Shelby County students or employees as of Friday, April 23rd.
Therefore, beginning Monday, April 26th, the mandatory mask ordinance will no longer be in effect. faculty, staff, and students will have the option of wearing or not wearing a mask. Parents, our faculty and staff will respect any decision you make in regard to your child wearing a mask. However, we will continue to maintain hand sanitizing stations in classrooms and throughout the school. We will also continue to clean desks and Chromebooks between classes and continue to encourage all students and staff to wash hands often. I pasted Dr. Brooks’ previous message below:
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Larry Haynes
Press Release Regarding Masks
for Shelby County Schools
April 8, 2021
Governor Ivey has announced that the mandatory mask ordinance will be lifted on April 9, 2021. Shelby County Schools will continue to require masks through April 23rd. Beginning April 26, 2021, masks will be encouraged but not required as a matter of community responsibility.
Our rationale for continuing masks through April 23, 2021 is as follows:
- There have been numerous strategies that have been implemented to protect students, teachers, and staff members. The majority of employees will receive the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on April 9, 2021. For these employees to achieve immunity, 14 days post-inoculation is recommended. Extending the mask requirement through April 23 will provide protection for our employees. Remember, keeping our employees protected is the best option for keeping schools open.
- Historical data from the past year has proven to show a spike in the number of positive cases following a holiday. Requiring masks through April 23 will allow for a period of time following the recent Easter holiday, when many of our families traveled out of town.
- Resolving this matter is certainly controversial but we will get through the next seven weeks of school and ask that each parent and student exercise personal responsibility as it relates to this issue.
- Shelby County Schools will continue to use other mitigation strategies to support health and safety within our schools.