Dear BPS Community,

In line with Governor Baker’s announcement on May 17th, 2021, and as reviewed by the BPS Steering Committee for Reopening, students at all Barnstable Public schools will no longer be required to wear masks/face coverings while outdoors. This includes recess, physical education, outdoor learning environments, and sports. This change is based upon the low rate of outdoor transmission of COVID-19 and the current low rates of COVID-19 in our district. 

Please note, we will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 data and if an increase in cases is noted or if any in-school transmission is suspected, this guideline will be subject to change.

Adults and students must continue to wear face coverings indoors, outside during arrival/dismissal, and on busses.

Additionally, all adults on BPS grounds must wear masks outdoors if six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes all BPS staff, as well as parents/guardians on school grounds for arrival, dismissal, and school-sponsored events.

BPS Principals will review the new expectations with staff and students, with an effective date of implementation on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Students are welcome to continue to wear masks while outdoors if they feel more comfortable doing so. If parents or guardians prefer to have their child continue wearing a mask when outdoors, please contact your child’s principal. 

At this time, COVID-19 vaccination is approved for all individuals age 12 and older. Our district and local health experts strongly encourage all who are eligible to be vaccinated to keep the rates of transmission in our community low.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Barnstable Public Schools as healthy and safe as possible. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Meg Mayo-Brown, Superintendent of Schools