Understanding Of Student Mask Choices Urged By Arlington Schools

ARLINGTON, VA — Families in Arlington County will be able to opt their students out of wearing a mask in school beginning next Tuesday in accordance with a new state law passed earlier this month.

Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Francisco Durán said in a note to families Wednesday that he will provide further student opt-out information and related guidance for parents on Friday.

APS plans to collect opt-out information for contact tracing only; opt-outs will not be monitored for any other reason, Durán said.

“As this new law takes effect, I ask everyone to practice patience and understanding for others with respect to mask choice,” the superintendent said. “We are one community, unified by our shared commitment to student success, health and well-being.”

APS has a medical accommodation process available for families with serious health issues that places their student at high risk for COVID-19 complications. Durán plans to provide information on this process on Friday.

Masks will continue to be required for all students and staff riding on school buses under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s federal mask requirement for transit.

While students will be able to opt out starting March 1, all APS staff and visitors will still be required to wear masks inside school buildings, regardless of vaccination status, during high and substantial COVID-19 community transmission.

Arlington currently remains in the high transmission category.