Please note that this form must be provided in hard copy with original signatures to your child’s school. Electronic copies will not be accepted.
Section 3 Exception Form – Word
Section 3 Exception Form – PDF
September 2, 2021
Dear Families,
Despite our hope for a more normal start to the school year, we are again faced with near constant challenge and change.
Our priorities during this difficult time are to protect the safety of all our students and staff and to preserve face-to-face instruction for all students in our classrooms. While doing this, we will also work to be respectful of the varied concerns of families who are striving to do what is best for their children.
As a public school district, we must follow the most recent order from the Department of Health related to masking in our schools. We have received requests from parents asking for the Board and district staff to go against the mandate. We must follow this mandate. To not follow the mandate opens up the district, as well as individuals, to personal liability. It also jeopardizes the district’s insurance policies on liability insurance. Persons not following this mandate are subject to penalty provisions of the Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955.
Beginning on September 7th, all students, staff, and visitors to our schools will be required to wear a mask while inside our buildings. This order does not apply to outside settings.
A copy of this order can be found on the PA Department of Education website.
Order for Masks/Face Coverings in School
Under this order, students will not be required to wear masks during lunch. Students will not be required to wear masks during the physical activity portion of Physical Education classes. Students will not be required to mask while participating in a sports practice activity or event, whether indoors or outdoors. Students will not be required to mask outside. Weather permitting, teachers will be encouraged to take mask breaks outside and will be permitted to hold portions of lessons outside when appropriate.
The mask order does provide a limited number of specific exceptions. If exception criterion in the order applies, formal written notice of this exception using the form provided by the district will be required. This must be provided in hard copy with original signatures to the building office. Email or electronic copies will not be accepted.
A form is required for each individual child in each building they attend. This form is posted to the district website under 2021-2022 School Year Information.
Students that do not mask due to a documented Section 3 exemption may be provided with accommodations within our schools to the extent that such accommodations are reasonable. These may include seating changes within the classroom, schedule changes to maximize physical distancing, or other strategies to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19.
Any parent or community member who has concerns about transmission rates in our schools can view the COVID case report data by building on our district website.
Thank you for your patience and support during this challenging time.
Penn Cambria School District
