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March 27, 2020
Special COVID-19 Edition
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From the State Superintendent
Dr. James Lane
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“As school divisions review our guidance and plot a course forward that best fits their unique circumstances, they should make sure that every decision is equitable and meets the needs of all learners, including early learners, English learners and students with disabilities,” Lane said. “As this situation evolves, the Virginia Department of Education is committed to providing school divisions with technical support and guidance as new issues and questions arise during this unprecedented challenge.”
On Monday March 23, Governor Ralph Northam extended his order that all public and private K-12 schools in Virginia close in response to the continued spread of COVID-19 for the remainder of the school year.
Please bookmark our COVID-19 & Virginia Public Schools webpage for the most recent guidance issued by VDOE.
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For Parents, Families and Caregivers
The VDOE has created a COVID-19 Parent Guide for School Aged Children and developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Resource List for parents, families and caregivers.
Child Care for Essential Personnel
Child care for essential personnel is currently permitted under the Governor’s order. Additional information can be found on the Child Care Aware website. Families can also call 866-KIDS-TLC (866-543-7852). The Department of Social Services (VDSS) and the VDOE are working closely together in this effort to support critical members of the workforce and provide safe child care alternatives for their families. Additional information is available in our Joint Guidance for Emergency Child Care during Statewide School Closure.
Nutrition Services
The VDOE has been awarded a waiver from the USDA to approve waivers to allow school divisions to provide meals in non-congregate settings due to COVID-19. Parents and families can find sites approved for meal service on the School Meal Finder website (this information is continually updated). Families can also text “food” or “comida” to 877-877 to learn more about food options near them.
Online Learning
Students Experiencing Homelessness
EL and Immigrant Students
Students with Disabilities
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is working to ensure additional guidance from the U. S. Department of Education (USED) is available to local school divisions. VDOE has issued guidance through our Superintendent's Memo Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities.
Additional guidance and resource documents are listed below:
Combating Bullying and Racism
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For Parents, Families and Caregivers |
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 Families are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting to a new normal. None of this easy, and we hope that the following resources will help support families.
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REMINDER: Now Accepting Nominations for the Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity |
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The Virginia Department of Education has launched a statewide award that will recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing educational equity. Nominations for The Mary Peake Award for Excellence in Education Equity are now being accepted. Please consider nominating an educator, policy maker, education advocacy group, or stakeholder organization whose service and leadership is impacting equity outcomes in the state.
All nomination materials must be submitted online by
May 1, 2020 by 5:00 PM EST.
For more information about the nomination process and selection criteria, visit the Virginia is for Learners website.
For direct access to the nomination form, click here.
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