Dear Families,
Beginning Monday, March 28, masks will be optional for all students and staff once we reach our designated play spots in the park. Our liaison at the DOHMH reached out to let us know that while we should remain masked as we travel through the park in large groups, we may now unmask at our play spots. Because children will still need to have masks on to walk into the park, please have them on your child during check in. We will also still wear masks on any occasion where we will need to go indoors, such as when we seek shelter in the Picnic House due to extreme weather events. While these events are rare, it is important we are all prepared.
You have probably also heard Mayor Adams’s announcement that beginning Monday, April 4, masks will be optional for all children and staff in indoor locations and public spaces as well. We have not received updated guidance from the DOHMH regarding optional masking indoors or as we travel through the park, but we will share that with you if and when we receive it.
As a program that is exclusively outdoors, we feel cautiously optimistic moving forward with this new guidance, as transmission rates outdoors continue to be extremely low risk. We understand that some families may choose to continue having their child wear a mask at all times during class, excepting mealtimes. If you would like your child to remain masked for the duration of class, please let us know and we will ensure your child remains masked during play. Additionally, if you have any concerns due to specific family or health needs, please let us know and we will do what we can to support you through this change.
Thank you all for your continued support and collaboration as we keep these nature kids and teachers safe and healthy!