GFS COVID-19 Response and Updates

For the start of the 2022 school year, we will continue employing a mask-optional policy; masking will not be required on campus in most places. A few important notes:

• Some situations will still require mask-wearing, including entering the Health Center for any evaluation.
• Students should continue to keep masks on hand in case they need them.
• Those returning from a positive case or who are identified as being a close contact will need to remain masked until they are cleared to unmask.
• We know that some members of our community will feel more comfortable remaining masked, and we fully support this decision. Masking is an effective way to prevent the spread of illness and has been vital in our ability to manage our community’s safety in the past two years. We ask everyone to be respectful, mindful and supportive of those around them, whatever their decision may be. Divisions will be addressing this change and reminding students of our Core Values and our Statement of Respect.

When there is a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in our community, we are guided by best practices as outlined by the Maryland State Department of Health and Department of Education. Please note that each situation is evaluated individually and all decisions are made with the safety of our community at the forefront. 

GFS COVID-19 Guidance for Isolation and Quarantine (updated 8/19/22)

COVID-19 Vaccines

• We highly recommend any community member who can be vaccinated to do so. Vaccines provide a number of benefits for your family: in addition to protecting against COVID-19, vaccinated individuals are subject to less strict quarantine mandates, minimizing disruption.
• If your child has been vaccinated but has not yet uploaded their documentation, please do this now. This information is vital in contact tracing and decision making in the case of an incident. Uploading the information is quick and easy; please see instructions here.

In addition to the other preventive measures listed here, GFS will also:

• Continue all enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices
• Continue promoting hand hygiene
• Continue providing air filtration devices throughout campus
• Track community transmission levels locally and statewide