Oshkosh Schools Not Requiring Masks to Start the Year

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Public schools in Oshkosh will have in-person classes and will not require face coverings, at least to start the year.

School officials released the COVID-19 plans for the year on Thursday. Other highlights include allowing field trips and placing no capacity limits for spectators at school events.

Although face masks will be optional in schools, the district points out that as of Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends universal face masking in schools based on the virus transmission rate in Winnebago County.

Other COVID-19 guidelines:

• The District will once again be allowing field trips for the 2021-2022 school year.
• All OASD athletic teams will follow all WIAA requirements related to COVID-19.
• Regular cleaning and sanitization practices will continue to be in place.
• Handwashing/hand hygiene will continue to be emphasized.
• Assigned seating will continue to be used in the classroom and other school settings to allow for contact tracing.
• The District will not place capacity limits for spectators at school events.
• Visitors will be permitted for academic purposes.
• Mental health support is available for any students in need.
• eAcademy will continue to be used as a virtual option for students in grades K-12.
• Elementary students remain the most vulnerable population in the District due to the fact they are not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. As a result, there may be additional/more restrictive mitigation measures used at the elementary level at certain points during the school year. For example, lunch rooms and assemblies will have assigned seating areas to assist with contact tracing.

The school district encourages people be vaccinated to mitigate the spread of the virus. To find a vaccine site near you, visit vaccines.gov.

District officials say they will continually review mitigation efforts throughout the year. Face mask requirements, extended quarantines, capacity limits and increased sanitization may be put in place if conditions warrant.