Stay Granted in Mask Case

Good Afternoon,

Hope all of you had a good day...

I am reaching out this afternoon to provide an update specific to masking and the recent Supreme Court Ruling in Nassau County.

• The district was notified literally moments ago that a stay has been granted in the mask case. As you likely heard, the Department of Health appealed the Nassau County Supreme Court decision, and an appellate court judge heard the appeal today. A stay was granted that will restore the mask rule until such time as an appellate court hears further arguments and issues a more permanent ruling.  More to follow as we learn more.
• Masking is NOT optional.  Previous to the appellate court ruling this afternoon, the Commissioner of Education and NYSDOH indicated that schools must continue to follow the mask rule. Commissioner Rosa released this statement this afternoon: 

"We are pleased the Appellate Division granted the application by the Department of Health and the Governor’s office, confirming the lower court’s decision is stayed pending further proceedings. As such, the mask mandate remains in effect for schools across the state. We support Governor Hochul and the state Department of Health as they continue with the appeal. We thank the members of our school communities for their patience during this process."

Based on the above and as outlined in the HCS Reopening Plan, we respectfully request that families ensure all of our Bulldogs come to school masked and prepared to engage in learning at the POUND. We recognize that this topic has a high level of sensitivity and that community response is on the continuum of sentiment with regards to masking.  Please know that the COVID experience has been wrought with challenges for everyone. The last two years have not been "banner" years in public education. We have seen real struggle... And that said, as a learning community we have forged ahead together, engaged in courageous conversations about masking, vaccination, and a plethora of other COVID related topics, and we have come together united in pride about our students and this district. BULLDOG PRIDE is alive and well, despite the pandemic.  We will get to the other side of this...  In the meantime, thank you for your continued patience, support and understanding as navigate this facet of our COVID related response with you.

Warmest Regards,
E. Bridget Ashton

Elizabeth Bridget Ashton
Superintendent, Honeoye Central School District
8528 Main Street
Honeoye, New York 14471
[email protected]
On Twitter: @EBridgetAshton