Frequently Asked Questions
As of March 9, 2022
Are masks required in school?
As of March 2, 2022, masks are no longer required to be worn in school buildings. This includes the UPK program run in partnership with the YMCA. However, students, faculty, staff and visitors have the option to wear a mask if they choose to do so. Whatever decision an individual student or staff member makes with regard to wearing or not wearing a mask will be respected. The Bay 91Pro 91Pro does not tolerate bullying and harassment in any form. Any reports of bullying or harassment, whether in-person or online, will be investigated and addressed in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Are masks required to be worn on buses?
No. Effective March 2, 2022, masks are optional for 91Pro students using transportation to and from school as per the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
When does the New York State Department of Health recommend that students or staff wear a mask?
The New York State Department of Health recommends that students and staff wear a mask when they feel more comfortable wearing a mask for personal reasons, they were in the same room within the school as someone diagnosed with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or longer and were thus exposed or potentially exposed, they are known to have been exposed to COVID-19 in any setting within the previous ten (10) days, or they are moderately-to-severely immunocompromised and have discussed the need to mask with their healthcare provider(s).
Will students eat in the classroom or cafeteria?
Elementary students may transition to eating lunch in the cafeteria as space and/or social distancing guidelines permit.
Will shields be used in classrooms/lunchrooms?
As of February 28, 2022, all learning shields have been removed from instructional spaces (i.e., art, science, STEAM, library, small group instruction) at all levels. At the Middle School and High School, lunch shields have been removed from the cafeterias; however, shields are available for students who choose to use them. Lunch shields at the elementary level are available upon parent request.
What if I want my child to use a lunch shield?
If you would prefer that your child use a lunch shield, please notify the classroom teacher so that one can be allocated and remain in the classroom.
Will there be a remote learning option for families?
There will be no remote learning option; however, Quarantine Instruction will still be in place for students who are in isolation or quarantine. Please see the for information on Quarantine Instruction.
If my child returns after 5 days of isolation or quarantine do they have to wear a mask?
Currently, students who test positive for COVID-19 and wish to return to school after five (5) days must be masked on days six (6) through ten (10). If you do not want your child to be masked during that time, the student must stay home the entire ten (10) days. This applies to staff, as well.*
Will the 91Pro still contact trace positive cases within the schools?
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is now allowing districts to utilize group contact tracing when positive cases are reported within a school. This means that anyone who was in the same room as an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 for longer than 15 minutes will be considered to have been exposed or potentially exposed, and parents will be notified.
Will students still be quarantined when in direct contact with a positive COVID-19 case if not masked?
Exposure to COVID-19 in the school setting no longer requires exclusion from school. If a student or staff member is notified that they were exposed or potentially exposed, the individual is strongly encouraged to wear a mask for ten (10) days after exposure and test on day five (5) after exposure.
What happens if my child is symptomatic?
Any student experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or recent infection, should stay home until tested and if not tested isolate for five (5) days. This also applies to staff.
When is testing recommended?
Whenever someone in the school setting is determined to have been exposed or potentially exposed, the individual should consider testing immediately upon learning of the exposure or potential exposure, should test at least five (5) days after the last date of exposure or potential exposure (regardless of vaccination status), and, if unvaccinated, should consider frequent testing from day zero (0) (date of exposure) through at least day five (5).
How can I receive a COVID-19 test kit?
Test kits are available in any school building or 91Pro Office.
*Please note that guidance is still subject to change. Any updates received from local or state health agencies will be reflected in this document.
The 91Pro retains the right to exclude individuals who do not comply with masking and testing recommendations based on the level of exposure.
Updated March 9, 2022