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A message from the
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education

June 2021 
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What's Up with Wellness 
School's out for summer! The summer season brings sunshine, warmer temperatures, and extra time for health and wellness. Start your summer off strong and check out the information below for ways to eat healthy and stay active. 

Massachusetts Farmer's Market: Tis the season for fresh produce! Check out the interactive map to find a market near you. 

Massachusetts Accessible Trails: Less screens, more steps! MA has accessible parks and walking trails that are great for families. Don't forget sunscreen and water! 
Local Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment
On July 29, 2016 The USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) finalized regulations and guidelines for local wellness policies. These guidelines and regulations (often referred to as the Final Rule) required all schools to have an updated, compliant wellness policy by June 30, 2017. This rule also required schools to assess their wellness policies every three years (at minimum), and stated that the first triennial assessment should be conducted by June 30, 2020.

Due to COVID-19, the triennial assessment was waived for one year, changing the new assessment date to June 30, 2021. With June 30, 2021 quickly approaching, FNS released a second waiver announcing that triennial assessments should be conducted by June 30, 2022. This waiver has been accepted by MA DESE, and triennial assessment should be conducted by June 30, 2022.

To get on track for the triennial assessment, follow the steps below: 
DESE Guidance on Masks and Social Distancing 
Face coverings and masks were required to be worn in schools until the last day of the school year. Now that school is out, a few things have changed. Check out the guidance below from DESE:

Summer: Wearing a masking indoors is not required, but is encouraged. The DESE summer guidance is in alignment with state guidance encouraging unvaccinated individuals to continue to mask. The DPH mask advisory advises unvaccinated residents to continue wearing masks in indoor settings and when they can’t socially distance.
 
Fall: At this time, all health and safety guidance including wearing a mask and physical distancing will be lifted. DESE will collaborate with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue any additional health and safety recommendations over the summer should they become necessary. 

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