Andover Public Schools: 2021-22 School Year Update From Dr. Parvey

Press release from Andover Public Schools:

July 23, 2021

July 23, 2021

Dear APS families, faculty, and staff, 

Earlier this week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released recommendations regarding the opening of schools in the fall. One suggestion from the AAP which has received attention is their recommendation that everyone older than age two (2) wear masks in schools, regardless of vaccination status.

While Governor Baker has stated that there are no plans to change COVID-19 policies in the Commonwealth at this time, Boston Mayor Kim Janey announced yesterday that all students returning to Boston Public School classrooms in the fall will be required to wear masks. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has not issued any updated recommendations since their May 2021 guidance. 

We remain committed to a return to in-person learning in the fall and our goals are always to keep our students and staff safe and healthy. We have not yet made a decision as to whether masks will be required in APS schools this fall. 

We are closely monitoring the data in Andover and trends regarding COVID-19 cases and variants in Massachusetts. We are also working in collaboration with the town’s Health Division. With the guidance of Andover’s Director of Public Health, Tom Carbone, APS Director of Nursing Rita Casper, and any updated mandates from DESE or the state, we hope to make an informed decision on the best way to bring our students and staff safely back into school in the fall. We will communicate any further updates or decisions in the coming weeks. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Magda Parvey

Superintendent

This press release was produced by Andover Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.