Navigating school masking guidance in the Stateline

STATELINE (WIFR) - As the first day of school approaches, many parents and students are confused about what COVID-19 mask guidelines they will have to follow.

23 News has compiled the latest guidance and policies provided by area school officials and leaders. More information from Ashton-Franklin Center, Dakota and Pearl City schools can be found at their respective websites.

School Name	Status of masking	First Day
Ashton-Franklin Center	Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated, but masks are not mandated. Masks required on school buses. https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1404065/SY_2021_Mitigation_Plan_Letter.pdf	Aug. 18
Belvidere	“We know there are many concerns about masking. We have yet to make a decision regarding masking. Finalized pandemic-specific information will be sent on August 18, one week before school begins. Because we are returning to pre-pandemic service levels, The August 18 update will mostly focus on masking, quarantine, and social distancing requirements.”	Aug. 25
North Boone	No decision yet because of changing conditions. The district is currently working on a letter to parents.	Aug. 18
South Beloit	No decision made yet. Board meeting on July 27.	Aug. 18
Prairie Hill	Left message with supt.	Aug. 19
Shirland	Still deciding – Board to meet July 28 to finalize.	Aug. 18
Kinnikinnick	Left message with supt.	Sept. 1
Hononegah	Maks will be mandated for all students regardless of vaccination status. The board says it will regularly reassess the mask mandate throughout the year, and reserves the right to change the mandate if information collected allows it to be rescinded.	Aug. 13 – Freshman only. Aug. 16 – all students
Harlem	Still deciding. Board meeting Aug. 9.	Aug. 17
Rockford Public Schools	“So far we haven’t officially decided or announced anything. Because we don’t start until Sept. 2, we have more time than some other districts. It sounds like the School Board might discuss masks at the Committee of the whole meeting on Aug. 3. IF the board decides to vote - and we’re not sure if they will take a vote or just tell the administration what their thoughts are - it would happen at the Aug. 10 meeting.”	Sept. 2
Rockford Christian	Left message with supt.	Aug. 18
Rockford Lutheran	Still deciding.	Aug. 18
Christian Life	Left message for principal
Boylan	Left message in district office	Aug. 16
Winnebago	Still reviewing guidance; will release plan when decision is made.	Aug. 25
Pecatonica	Left message in district office	Aug. 25
Durand	Left message in district office	Aug. 23
Freeport	Left message with board president.	Aug. 24
Lena-Winslow	Left message in district office	Aug. 18
Stockton	Masking is optional in school buildings. Masks are required on school buses.	Aug. 18
Genoa-Kingston	The board recommends masks be worn indoors by those not fully vaccinated. On buses masks are required. The district does not have a masking mandate. Masks will NOT be required for summer school or during summer camp activities.
Oregon	The district will adopt the CDC guidelines as stated. This means that masking should occur when students are in buildings. The district is not mandating masks be worn in buildings, we wanted to pass along to you the CDC guidance so you were informed. Families will have the choice as to how they want to approach masking at school for their students. Masking will be required on all district transportation. The district policy aligns with CDC guidance which states, “Regardless of the mask policy at school, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses.” The plan contains metrics that, if reached, may require additional mitigation measures including mandatory masking.	Aug. 16
Byron	School board to vote on mask policy at Aug. 5 meeting. Masks required on buses by everyone.	Aug. 18
Dakota	Masks recommended, but not required for staff and students. Board meeting July 27. All students and drivers must wear masks on district buses. https://dakota201.socs.net/pages/uploaded_files/2021-2022%20Return%20to%20School%20Plan.pdf	Aug. 18
Orangeville	Left message in district office	Aug. 25
Pearl City	https://www.pcwolves.net/UserFiles/Servers/Server_110375/File/Return%20to%20School%20Plan%20Approved%207-21-21.pdf. Masks recommended, but not required, for staff and students. Passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses.	Aug. 20
Meridian School District	Start the school year with a mask recommendation – not a policy – within school buildings. Masks required on buses.	Aug. 12
Polo	Recommending masks for students and staff who are not fully vaccinated. Masks required on buses.	Aug. 18
Rockton School District	Board will meet week of July 26 to vote on a plan. There are three options the board will consider.	Aug. 18