The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has archived the guidance and On the Desktop messages that were issued between March 2020 and June 2021 and which were related to COVID-19. That guidance is recommended (not required) through the summer and is accessible for reference on the Commissioner's page. We will collaborate with the Department of Public Health to issue any additional health and safety recommendations over the summer should they become necessary. We will provide any updates to districts and schools as we receive them. Our help center (781-338-3500) is available to assist districts during this transition, and we will continue to share information through the Commissioner's Weekly Update. In fall 2021, all schools will continue to be open five days a week for in-person learning.
Update on DESE Mask Requirement — Updated February 28, 2022
DESE/DPH Joint Memo on New COVID-19 Testing Program Option for K–12 Schools — January 18, 2022
Additional Information for School Health Offices — updated January 4, 2022
Extension of DESE Mask Requirement — October 26, 2021
DESE/DPH COVID-19 Guidance for Districts and Schools: Fall 2021 — July 30, 2021; Updated August 27, 2021
Implementation of DESE Mask Requirement — August 25, 2021
Updates to DESE COVID-19 Guidance — May 27, 2021
DESE/DPH Joint Memo on COVID Vaccine approved for ages 12 and above — May 18, 2021
Guidance on In-Person Learning and Student Learning Time Requirements — April 27, 2021
Acceleration Roadmap
Last Updated: March 3, 2022
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH): Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for schools
Parents and guardians questions can be directed to COVID19K12ParentInfo@mass.gov
District and school staff's questions can be directed to: Reopeningk12@mass.gov
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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.