The Bessemer Area School Board has decided that students at Washington Elementary will continue to wear masks until further notice. Superintendent Dan Niemi said the district is just being “cautious”. The decision followed conversations with other area superintendents and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. Niemi says he thinks the district is going above and beyond following health protocols. The school district is being proactive when it comes to possible exposures, opting to contact parents by phone, in order to ensure clear communication and making sure exposed students stay home.