Important Update (and Milestone) Regarding Masks in School 2/9/22

Hanover H

Earlier today, Governor Baker and DESE Commissioner Riley announced that the mask mandate for schools will not be extended. Effective Monday, February 28, 2022, the mask requirement for schools will be lifted statewide. Read the Update on DESE Mask Requirement Memorandum.

In anticipation of this announcement, the Hanover School Committee took a vote at their last meeting on February 2nd to immediately support the lifting of the mask mandate at the first available opportunity. On Monday, February 28th, masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors in the Hanover Public Schools. Any future decisions on requiring masks in schools will revert to local control. Masks are still required on school busses until further notice as it is a federal requirement.

We have been waiting a very long time for this announcement and for the opportunity to move forward. It is very important that we all keep in mind that masks will be optional, and the decision to wear masks (or not) needs to be respected. There will certainly be a great deal of media coverage of this announcement, and more information will likely be forthcoming. In the meantime, we hope this decision is another step forward towards normalcy. Please stay tuned for any additional information.

Sincerely,

Matt Ferron
Superintendent