Mexico School District students returning to the classroom

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mexico School District 59 will return to the classroom on Monday after over two weeks of online learning.

The district announced Wednesday that it would return to the classroom Dec. 7. It had transitioned to online learning Nov. 16 and originally planned to return to the classroom Dec. 3 before that date was extended.

As students and staff return, the district's Caring Comeback Plan has been updated to include a mask policy.

The new policy is in response to Governor Mike Parson's announcement that in schools with a mask mandate, where appropriate masks are being worn properly, students and staff would not be required to quarantine from school.

In a Facebook post, the school district said, "This means if both individuals at school the person who is COVID-19 positive and the person exposed to the positive case – are wearing an appropriate mask correctly, the Audrain County Health Department will not require the exposed individual to quarantine from school."

The school said while masks are being required, exceptions will be made for those with special medical needs or sensory issues.