20 January 2022
Dear Parents,
As directed by the Diocese of Arlington, Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order Number 2 (EO2) will be in effect for our school starting on Monday, 24 January 2022. EO2 requires schools to allow parents to opt out of masking policies. Please review the attached directive from the Office of Catholic Schools.
STM will continue to promote Covid mitigation measures including mask wearing, vaccinations, distancing and hand sanitation as we have all year. In compliance with EO 2, we have established a procedure for parents who wish to opt out of the masking policy. Public health guidelines regarding isolation and quarantine remain unchanged. Parents should read the opt out form linked above carefully prior to signing, and understand that unmasked, unvaccinated students have an increased risk of quarantine for themselves.
I also ask that you prayerfully consider your response to this directive. I understand that some of our families greet this news with great enthusiasm while others are experiencing the opposite. Please carefully consider your role as primary teacher for your children. They emulate your reactions and learn how to carry themselves in times of discord by watching the adults around them. Rest assured, all children in our building will experience Christ-like kindness whether or not their parents have chosen to opt out of our mask policy.
Should you have concerns or questions, please refer to the FAQs published on our website, and of course, I am available should you need to reach out.
Cath