Good Afternoon Roller Families. 

We are aware that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has entered an order vacating the Secretary of Health’s mandatory masking rule which was applied to all Pennsylvania schools by the Department of Education. The Supreme Court’s Order does not change a school district’s ability to require masks based its own determination.

In order to keep our schools open, the Steelton-Highspire School Board voted on August 11, 2021, to require masking in schools and that requirement was incorporated into the District’s Health and Safety Plan. 

Here is what families need to know for Monday:  The Steelton-Highspire School District has reviewed our Health and Safety plan and will continue to require masks for all students, staff, and visitors in SHSD buildings.  We want to continue to ensure we are doing everything we can in relation to the health and safety of everyone that enters our facilities.  The Health and Safety Plan will continue to be reviewed in accordance with CDC guidelines and recommendations.  Please review our plan on the district website at: https://tinyurl.com/3uw7z3n7

Here is what the Supreme Court’s order also does not affect: 1) the wearing of face masks on transportation, that continue to be required by a federal order from the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC); and 2) the PDE quarantine requirements, which continue in place for now. 

There has been no determination by the PIAA as to how it will address masking during interscholastic competition.

COVID and keeping schools open remain critical issues to families.  We expect that there will be additional changes to PDE’s guidance, which may change how the District will be required to respond.