In light of today's changes to the facemask requirements in Panola County, Carthage ISD will continue to follow its mask policy without regard to the fluctuation of active cases reported in Panola County. While numbers may decrease, we are still operating under a pandemic with the threat of virus transmission.
Despite best efforts, it is inevitable that throughout the day our students will interact within 6 feet of one another and masks are a proven deterrent to the spread of COVID-19 in such close contact circumstances. Without the wearing of a mask or other facial covering, we will be obligated, pursuant to TEA Guidance, to send home for a 14 day quarantine period any student or staff member that comes into close contact with an individual testing positive.
In order to prevent this disruption to our educational and/or extracurricular offerings and to maximize instructional quality, we will continue to require the wearing of masks by all staff and request our students ages 10 and above to do so as well. We appreciate our parents’ understanding of this decision and recognize it as a shared commitment to a safe and smooth transition into the 2020 school year. If you have questions about this policy, please feel free to contact your campus principal or the Carthage ISD administration building.