March 10, 2022

Dear Ephrata School District Families:

Today, the Washington State Department of Health released guidance for schools regarding the end of statewide indoor mask requirements. In keeping with our promise to update you as our guidance changes, here are the items you need to know as we enter this new phase:

• For classrooms and school buildings: The statewide mask mandate ends at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 11. This means that masks become optional beginning at midnight on Saturday, March 12. Our first day of school without required face coverings is Monday, March 14.

• Note: there could be times where the Department of Health will require masks in limited settings or situations (for example: in our sick rooms or nurses rooms). We will communicate directly with impacted families should other situations arise.

• For buses or school transportation:  With the revision to the mandate, students traveling via school provided transportation to events over the weekend may choose to go without masks beginning Saturday, March 12. All other bus riders may elect to go without a mask beginning Monday, March 14. 

Staff and students will, of course, have the choice to wear a mask at school or on school transportation if they choose to do so. Now that the regulations have changed to allow flexibility, we ask that our community continue to respect the choices of all individuals. Please respect other people’s choices, beliefs and health status. We will not tolerate bullying of any kind for those who choose to continue to wear or not wear a mask.

We encourage all families to talk about this change to optional masking. Some key points include:

• There are many reasons why someone may choose to wear or not wear a mask, and those reasons may change over time.
• It’s important to show mutual respect, concern and kindness to one another.
• Consider that each person’s needs and story are unique and valuable.
• Students should tell an adult if they witness or experience mistreatment or bullying related to masking.

Although guidance is changing in regards to masking, protocols for testing and isolation rules for those with COVID remain in place. If your student is not feeling well, please keep them home. See the attached “What to do if you do not feel well” flier for guidance. Our testing facility remains open daily and offers free COVID testing for those not feeling well. Check our website www.EphrataSchools.org for testing site hours and the most up-to-date COVID protocols.

The pandemic has been a trying and polarizing time for our school community. With this change to masking requirements, we welcome the opportunity to rebuild community unity, and for everyone to be able to attend school as they are most comfortable. While at school, or school functions, you will be treated with dignity and respect with or without a mask on. 

As always, we ask for your patience, support and understanding as we work through these new changes. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly.

Tim Payne
Ephrata School District Superintendent
“Blessed to be a Tiger!”

What to do if You're Not Feeling Well

Qué hacer si no te sientes bien