Mask Update - Tuesday, August 3, 2021

University School Mask Update - August 17, 2021

Dear University School families,

Late Tuesday afternoon, Governor Bill Lee issued the attached Executive Order no. 84 regarding  face coverings. We are obligated under the law to comply with the executive order. Under the terms of this order, a parent or guardian may opt their student out of the University School policy on masks when the student is in Alexander Hall.  Families choosing to opt-out must submit a written request to the office.  ETSU’s mask policy still applies in all ETSU buildings. University School students will be required to wear a mask in all other ETSU facilities. Faculty, staff, and visitors are still required to wear masks.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Partin

Following posted August 3, 2021

Dear University School Families,

          The health and learning of our students is our number one priority. We continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our region and follow the guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As you likely have heard, the number of reported cases of COVID-19 is rising rapidly across Tennessee and around the nation.  Given this situation and that a number of our students are not currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, we are updating University School’s policy regarding face coverings. Our hope is to be able to keep our students in an in-person learning environment as much as possible.

Effective Wednesday, August 4, 2021, face coverings are required indoors for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to University School as well as all ETSU campus buildings.  This applies to all persons who have been vaccinated as well as those who have yet to do this.  Students, employees, and guests may remove their masks while eating, drinking, while outside when social distancing can be maintained, or during physical activity (e.g., running). We will continue to review our status at University School and on-going recommendations, and we will revise and update all of you as necessary. It is our sincere hope that these adjustments to our operating plans for the fall semester are temporary. 

Thank you for all you have done throughout the past 19 months to protect your health and the health of members of the ETSU and University School community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian Partin
Director, University School