News

Springmont's topmost priority is the health & safety of our students, families, faculty and staff.  Therefore, we will continue to keep up with the latest in scientific studies about the virus and recommendations for its prevention, adjusting our policies and procedures as new information becomes available.

•    As new scientific research reported in The New York Times last week indicates that COVID-19 can be spread via aerosols and droplets at distances greater than 6 feet, Springmont has decided to update our student mask/face-covering policy effective immediately. Students, ages 3 and older, will be strongly encouraged to wear masks/face coverings at all times (except while eating or drinking) while indoors, even when sitting 6’ apart and/or using plexiglass dividers.  While we understand this may be challenging for our younger students, we know that students are adaptable and resilient and Teachers and Assistants will be there to help.  

•    As noted in the Head of School Update on Friday, the CDC recently updated its face mask guidance, warning against the use of vented masks.  “The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control. However, masks with one-way valves or vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled respiratory droplets that can reach others. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others. Therefore, CDC does not recommend using masks for source control if they have an exhalation valve or vent.” Additionally, a study by Duke University concluded that single-layer or knitted gaiters do not protect the wearer or those around them.  In keeping with best practices, Springmont will prohibit gaiters and vented or valved face masks for students, parents, faculty, and staff on campus effective Tuesday, August 18.  We also suggest you discontinue the use of these types of masks/face-coverings entirely as they do not help slow the community spread of COVID-19.