Beginning Thursday, February 17, universal masking will no longer be required in St. Cloud Area Schools. Masks will be optional for all students, staff, and guests. Due to the federal transportation mandate, masks continue to be required on all school buses and district transportation ​vehicles​. 

The health and safety of our staff and students remain a top priority, and we made this decision in consultation with local and state health officials. Our school and district case rates have dropped significantly over the past month, and these trends mirror those of our community and state. 

We will continue to employ mitigation strategies including encouraging good hand hygiene, using enhanced ventilation, and requesting that people stay home when ill. Additionally, KN-95 masks will be available to students and staff at each school, and free student and staff at-home tests kits have been ordered and will soon be available at schools upon request.  

Contact tracing of COVID-19 cases will be completed if:

• 3 or more cases occur in a classroom, or 
• an individual school reaches a 5% positivity rate.

Please note, students and staff returning to school following a 5-day quarantine must continue to mask on days 6-10. Those who choose not to mask must complete a 10-day quarantine. Additionally, all participants in MSHSL activities must follow the Return to Play protocols which require masking on days 6-10.

We are deeply appreciative of your support during these past months and are pleased to take this step toward normalcy as our district and community health improves.