Social distancing, face coverings & PPE

The district is mindful of the evolving need for emergency measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with the guidance issued by the Department of Health (DOH) and New York State Education Department (NYSED) for In-Person Instruction During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, and pursuant to a board policy developed by the Board of Education and district administrators, the district implements the following protocols for all students, employees and visitors of the East Rochester Union Free School District. 

Students 

All students in Pre-Kindergarten through the 12th grade are required to wear a mask or face covering: 

● during the first 45 minutes of the school day, without a break; 

● when at school or a school function in any school building, facility or other area of a school campus including while traveling in hallways; 

● while waiting outside school buildings before and after school; 

● while waiting at bus stops; and 

● when riding in District-provided transportation. 


Additionally, athletes must follow guidance from the New York State Public High School Athletics Association and Section V Athletics. 


All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the student. Masks with valves will NOT be permitted. Students may remove masks and face coverings: 

● when eating or drinking during assigned breakfast/lunch/snack periods; 

● during instruction or other times when appropriate social distancing measures are in place as determined by a teacher or school administrator; and 

● during “mask breaks” as directed by a teacher or school administrator.


Students who refuse, or repeatedly fail, to wear a mask or face covering as set forth above shall be subject to disciplinary consequences under the District’s Code of Conduct. Repeated failure to comply with these protocols could lead to suspension of the student from school and/or from District transportation. 

A student may only be exempted from these protocols if an appropriate healthcare provider certifies in writing that the student is not medically able to tolerate wearing a mask or face covering. The District will provide a mask or face covering to a student in the case that a student forgets their own. 

Employees 

All employees are required to wear a mask or face covering: 

● during the first 45 minutes of the school day, without a break; 

● while working or attending a school function in any school building, facility or other area of a school campus including while walking in hallways and traveling in elevators; and 

● in District-owned vehicles if more than one individual is in the vehicle. 

All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the employee. Masks with valves will NOT be permitted. Employees may remove masks and face coverings: 

● if working in an individual office and/or other workspace (including outdoor areas) where appropriate social distancing can be maintained (this does not apply to common areas such as school offices); 

● in conference rooms if appropriate social distancing can be maintained; and 

● instructional employees may remove masks and face coverings on a case-by-case basis for instructional needs and other activities, as determined by the employee in accordance with District protocols, in which case the instructional employee must ensure that appropriate social distancing measures are followed. 

Employees who violate these protocols may be subject to disciplinary consequences under applicable New York law and/or collective bargaining agreements. 

An employee may only be exempted from these protocols if an appropriate healthcare provider certifies in writing that the employee is not medically able to tolerate wearing a mask or face covering. While the District provides masks or face covering for employee use, employees may also choose to use their own.

Visitors (Volunteers, Vendors, Parents) 

All visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering: 

● while working or attending a school function in any school building, facility or other area of a school campus including while walking in hallways and traveling in elevators; and 

● in District-owned vehicles if more than one individual is in the vehicle. 

All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the visitor. Masks with valves will NOT be permitted. Visitors may remove masks and face coverings: 

● if working in an individual office and/or other workspace (including outdoor areas) where appropriate social distancing can be maintained (this does not apply to common areas such as school offices); 

● in conference rooms if appropriate social distancing can be maintained; and ● as directed by a District administrator or other employee. 

Visitors who violate these protocols will be required to leave school grounds and may be refused reentry.