With the lifting of the Kindergarten through 12th grade mask mandate last week, the wearing of masks is no longer required on Escalon Unified School District campuses.

The mask mandate was lifted at the end of Friday, March 11, allowing for students and school staff members across the state to come back to campuses on Monday, March 14 without a mask. Some districts in the state have kept it intact, but Escalon was among those implementing the rollback.

“Beginning on Monday, March 14th masks are optional for students and staff members,” a statement from the district noted, sent to parents on March 11. “Please encourage your children to respect others’ choices and to not question individuals who choose to wear or not wear a mask.”

District Superintendent Ron Costa said the goal is to make sure that everyone’s choice is respected, as some may want to continue to wear masks as a safety precaution.

The district statement also provided some insights as to continuing special efforts on behalf of students.

“As we move past these difficult last two years, please remember that our district has worked hard, in partnership with each parent, to provide the best possible education for our students. And we will continue to do so by providing additional resources to support our students and help make up short falls due to missed educational opportunities,” district officials wrote. “We are currently planning a robust summer school program for the month of June and are looking toward expanding our after-school programs.”

And as pandemic restrictions continue to loosen, the district will once again be hosting its popular Arts Alive student art showcase next week.

“Art from across the district will be posted in the old gym and elementary students will take field trips to view all of the art,” Costa said.

In addition, Escalon High School will host its Open House on Wednesday, March 23 at 6 p.m.; those attending will also have the chance to visit the Arts Alive event as part of the program.