Editor’s note: The following is a press release issued by Upshur County Schools Friday, Nov. 13, following Governor Jim Justice’s new mask mandate.

BUCKHANNON — Governor Jim Justice issued an Executive Order today for the following, beginning at midnight this evening:

Face Coverings:
Required face coverings in all public buildings, except:
• Children under the age of 9
• Health reasons
• Actively eating and drinking

WVSSAC Winter Sports:
• All WVSSAC winter activities (basketball, wrestling, cheer, swimming, etc.) will be postponed until January 11, 2021.

Remote Learning:
• All schools will be closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.
• All schools statewide will be on remote learning from Monday, November 30 through Wednesday, December 2.
• At the Bandmasters’ recommendation, band festivals and concerts will be canceled for the duration of the 2020-2021 school year. UPDATE: Per B-UHS Band Director Garrett Friend, the only spring events canceled as of today are the Regional Band Festivals. Other band activities, concerts and events in the spring have not been canceled at this time.

For next week, and those following, our attendance decisions will continue to follow the School Alert System map issued by the West Virginia Department of Education on Saturdays. Along with sharing information, Upshur County Schools will continue to work closely with public health authorities to limit virus spread to more consistently allow for in-person instruction.

Based on Governor Justice’s mandate, Upshur County Schools will remain on remote learning following Thanksgiving break on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (November 30-December 2). Students will return to in-person instruction on Thursday, December 3. Group A will attend on Thursday and Group B will attend on Friday. School will continue to dismiss at 2:00 p.m.

Regarding food for next week, food boxes can be picked up at a school near you, curbside on Wednesday, November 18 from 11:00-1:00 or at our warehouse in Tennerton from 9:00-3:00. We will be serving 3-day boxes for blended students and 5-day boxes for full time virtual. Also, all schools will be serving curbside suppers. Check with your school for details.

We are planning a special Thanksgiving food box option at B-U Middle School on Tuesday, November 24 from 11:00-2:00. All Upshur County Families may pick up a food box at B-U Middle School. This will be the only location from which we will serve during the holiday break.

Thank you again for your patience as we work to keep our students, staff and community safe. We are grateful for our community and your continued support.