HAMILTON — Hamilton Schools join the growing list of western Montana school districts requiring masks for students when classes reopen this fall.
But as with other schools, that stipulation will only apply to the oldest students.
Under the plan approved by the Hamilton School Board on Tuesday, students in grades five-through-12 will be required to use face masks to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Masks won't be required for elementary school students.
Trustees also approved a revised school calendar where classes will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8, to give teachers and staff more time to prepare.
Spring break will be reduced by three days and the last day of school will be June 10 under the revised calendar.
The District will give parents the option to keep their children on remote learning, but says they must commit to staying on that system for nine weeks to help maintain steady class sizes and social distancing.
Administrators are still considering whether to adjust class schedules, with an eye toward keep students in groups of 12 if possible, to help with contact tracing.
