Ridgeline and Covid-19

Covid-19 Student and Staff Face Covering Policy

(Revised, July 2021)

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ridgeline Academy (the “School”) adopted a COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, which complied with then-current CDC guidance and applicable state or local government guidance and requirements.  The Mitigation Plan covers on-campus and school-sponsored activities and establishes measures intended to limit the potential for virus transmission.

As part of its Mitigation Plan, the School implemented a Face Covering Policy in response to Executive Order 2020-51 and relevant guidance from federal and local health officials.  The face-covering portion of Executive Order 2020-51 was subsequently rescinded on April 19, 2021, by Executive Order 2021-10. Additionally, Arizona statutes have been amended, effective June 30, 2021, to prohibit requiring face coverings by students or staff during school hours and on school property, or as a condition of participating in in-person instruction.  A.R.S. § 15-342.05.

In light of these developments, the School has updated its Face Covering Policy and Mitigation Plan as follows:

1. Face coverings are no longer required on School campuses or at School-sponsored events.
2. Face coverings remain permissible, and students and staff are permitted to wear face coverings on School campus or at School-sponsored events, so long as such face coverings are otherwise consistent with applicable dress code standards. The School will not tolerate any bullying, harassment, or discrimination arising from or related to students or staff wearing a face covering.
3. The School reserves the right to reinstate a face-covering requirement on School campus and at School-sponsored events if future guidance from federal and local health officials suggests such a requirement is necessary or prudent, and if such requirement is otherwise permissible under applicable law.

The School may make additional modifications to, or may rescind, this policy at any time, in its sole discretion, and without advanced notice in order to adapt to changing public health guidance, legal obligations, and operational needs.

If any part of this policy conflicts with applicable local, county, state law, regulation, or public health guidance, the School will comply with the applicable law, regulation, or public health guidance.