A number of school systems across the state of Alabama are either making, or at least considering, changes in their mask/face covering policies.

Piedmont City Schools have announced that beginning on Wednesday September 8thmasks must be worn by all staff and students while indoors during the school day also – the Ft Payne City School system has chosen to extend their face covering policy, which requires face coverings be worn inside the classroom and in buildings through October 1st.  Albertville City Schools also extended their requirement to wear a mask for at least another two weeks.

Meanwhile, here in Cherokee County, the current mask/face covering policy remains in effect through September 25th – as outlined in the “Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency” for Cherokee County, declared August 26th (2021),

According to a news release issued by Cherokee County School Superintendent Mike Welsh:

• Social distancing will continue to be a priority and all other COVID mitigation strategies will remain in place for all County Schools.  
• These strategies include, but are not limited to – staggered class changes, both modified lunch and break schedules, a very limited number of campus visitors – in addition to limited field trips, and modified assemblies.
• Everyone is encouraged to continue to follow all CDC and ADPH guidelines by staying socially distanced as much as possible, washing hands very frequently, getting vaccinated, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Cherokee County Schools will continue to monitor the data, communicate with local EMA and government officials, and adjust procedures accordingly.

Please remember that students who are COVID-19 positive, or showing symptoms of COVID-19, should NOT attend school.  Notify your school nurse of any COVID-related absences.

Superintendent Welsh would like to thank everyone for their cooperation in helping provide a safe learning environment.