Opening Dates to be Determined by Individual Schools
Hagåtña, Guam – After participating in community input sessions with school faculty, staff, and parents, as well as meeting with school leadership from the Guam Department of Education, private and charter schools, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order 2021-23, relative to authorizing the resumption of in-person learning. Schools may resume in-person learning effective Monday, September 20, 2021.
“We recognize that not every school community will be ready to resume in-person learning, which is why this Executive Order provides the flexibility for those who have implemented all the safety protocols necessary to keep our students safe,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “Evidence shows us that schools can open safely if school-aged children are surrounded by vaccinated persons. We can create a safe haven and ultimately a safe learning environment for our children, but it will take a community committed to proven mitigation measures.”
Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio added, “A child’s academic, social, and mental health development relies heavily on their educational opportunities and engagement with their teachers and fellow students. The evidence demonstrates how remote learning can be detrimental to the education of our students and this simple allowance will pave a stable path for them to continue their schooling and prevent any prolonged learning curves.”
With the return to classrooms, schools will be working with the Department of Public Health and Social Services to develop testing and screening plans to help guard against transmission of the COVID-19 in schools. Additionally, while extracurricular activities and sports will be permitted to resume operations, including competitions, they will do so subject to gathering limitations, social distancing, and vaccine or testing requirements.
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