The Pettis County R-XII School Board voted on Monday, August 16, to temporarily resume mask-wearing for all students and staff to begin the 2021-22 school year.

School district administrators say, in addition, the federal government has mandated that students riding the bus must wear a mask to and from school.

Mask-wearing will be reevaluated by the board at its October 20 meeting. At this time, masks must be worn inside the building, except when a three-foot distance can be maintained for teachers and students in their classroom, outdoor activities such as recess or physical education and while eating breakfast or lunch.

The district is still hosting the “Open House” on Tuesday, August 24, but masks will be required.

In other news, open enrollment for new students from Kindergarten through eighth grade is taking place this week. Administrators urge new students and their parent or guardian to stop by and fill out the proper paperwork from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, through Friday, August 20.