Students face penalties if they break Duval County Public Schools mask mandate

Jacksonville — Students in Duval County Public Schools are mandated to wear masks inside a school or administrative building for the next 90 days or they’ll ultimately risk suspension.

DCPS says the mask must cover a student’s nose and mouth at all times with the exception of eating and outdoor activities. Parents and guardians may opt out having their children wear a face covering by completing the DCPS medical certification form located on the DCPS website.

A parent cannot do that on their own, they have to have approval from a medical professional to complete the process.

The School Board has warned that students who do not adhere to DCPS guidelines can be charged with a Code of Student Conduct infraction and be subject to disciplinary action including exclusion from athletics and other extracurricular activities.

The first time a student is caught without a mask, the school will give the student a mask. Students will then complete Face Mask Safety Contract which requires a signature from both the student and parent.

The second time, the student will be noted for disciplinary action, according to DCPS. The student will be coded for 1.06 Nonconformity to General Code of Appearance. Parents will be contacted for a virtual or in person parent conference.

For a student’s third offense, they will be sent to the discipline office and coded for 2.01 Failure to Adhere to Safety Consideration for an In-School Suspension for one to two days.

Students will also be sent to the discipline office for their fourth offense and coded for their second 2.01 Failure to Adhere to Safety Consideration for an Out of School Suspension that lasts between one and three days. A parent conference will be encouraged.

In addition the Board noted that they will address case by case basis, those students with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent the wearing of face coverings. School Reassignment with an Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan shall be handled in accordance with ESE Guidelines and Procedures.

Athletic Events

For outdoor sporting events, masks can be removed if social distancing is practiced. Spectators are required to wear face coverings when entering and/or exiting administrative buildings and when walking in common areas. Athletes must wear masks in locker rooms, on their way in and out of practice, as well as during team meetings. When practicing and competing, student-athletes do not need to wear a face covering.

Congregating before or after events is no longer permitted. Indoor athletic venues will adhere to social distancing guidelines and therefore be held at 75% capacity. Outdoor athletic venues are allowed to operate at 100% capacity. Capacities will be reassessed regularly.

High touch point areas - locker rooms and restrooms - will be cleaned and disinfected daily. Guests will be encouraged to practice good hygiene. Restrooms will be stocked with soap, paper towels and automated hand dryers.

All symptoms of COVD-19 should be reported to the coaching staff. Students and spectators experiencing symptoms are encouraged to stay home. All positive cases will be reported to the Florida Department of Health. The District leadership and the Department of Health will decide when to cancel games.

Performing Arts

Face coverings are required for all performing arts events held on Duval County Public School property. At least three-feet of social distancing is required for each audience at 75% capacity. Outdoor performances will be encouraged.

Vocal and wind instrument performers must face the same direction and be spaced 10 feet apart. Although dancers are not required to wear masks, they’re encouraged to use routines that naturally allow social distancing. Small group performances are encouraged. Performances should be limited in time. If longer than 40 minutes, a 20-minute outdoor intermission is required to allow HVAC systems to refresh the air inside the venue.

All public and performance areas must be sanitized prior to and after each performance. This includes seats, rails, restrooms, dressing rooms, and sound equipment. Hand sanitizing stations should be set up at entrance and exit doors. Entrance and exit traffic patterns and protocols are required to minimize congestion. Physically distanced marker lines must show the enter and exit venues.

For indoor events, the doors will open one hour prior to each performance. Box office workers must wear gloves. Tickets must be pre-sold to mitigate crowding. Concessions will be limited to pre-packaged items. Servers must wear masks and gloves. Hand sanitizer must be on-hand. Restrooms will remain open with social distancing reminders.

Per DCPS policy, audience members must wear a mask or face covering when attending an indoor event.

Audience members must exit the performance wearing a mask. Congregating before or after performances is not permitted.

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