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We are excited for the return of all our students and staff from winter break and these unexpected winter weather days. In the meantime, please stay safe and be mindful of the news, notes, and reminders upon our return to school.
Navigating the January 2022 COVID Surge
During winter break and the Holiday season, COVID cases have sharply increased in our region. It is expected that this surge of cases will impact FCPS operations for at least the next few weeks.
We have been working hard to anticipate areas of tension, and like all FCPS schools, we are preparing for staffing shortages. These shortages will impact us in every way, from classroom instruction to operations. It will not be business as usual.
FCPS has promised to move central office staff to supporting school operations as much as possible. With that, our number one priority is to provide continuous in-person instruction. Here are some important things you need to know:
Classroom Coverage
When a classroom teacher is out, we will consider the following in this order:
- Dedicated class coverage by:
- a substitute teacher from the sub pool
- another teacher or staff member
- FCPS Central Office volunteer subs who have instructional experience.
- Pairing two classes together with one teacher.
- Grouping multiple classes to provide supervision during asynchronous instruction.
Our teachers will be reminded to upload daily/weekly classroom materials to Schoology, when students need to access lessons asynchronously. While we hope to continue to offer StreamIn/CheckIn for students who are paused, quarantined or in isolation, this may not always be possible.
Important Reminders
While IAS is committed to keeping our school doors open, upon our return to school, we will continue to engage in practices that mitigate the transmission of this virus. Here are some ways that you can partner with us to keep our schools safe and open for learning.
- In order to keep everyone healthy, we implore parents and guardians to utilize this Health Screening Questionnaire before sending your student to school.
- If your child does not feel well or presents any COVID-like symptoms, have them remain at home and seek medical advice.
- Students who are sent to the Care Room with COVID-like symptoms will be sent home immediately. The return to school process must be followed before they can return to campus.
Masks
Mask recommendations from the CDC and VDH have not changed. It is the student’s responsibility to report to school wearing a proper face covering. Approved face coverings include disposable masks, cloth mask coverings, gaiters, clear masks and cloth masks with clear plastic panels. All cloth masks should be double layered, including gaiters. Masks with vents are NOT allowed.
Students who fail to meet this expectation will be counseled and parents will be contacted if the issue continues.
Health, Safety and COVID-19 Testing Information
Consider vaccination, which is the best protection against serious illness caused by COVID-19.
FCPS COVID-19 Testing Program helps keep our school as a safe place to learn and work. FCPS offers:
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Diagnostic Testing for students at six drive-through locations. Take advantage of these services if you are experiencing symptoms or become a close contact. Appointments are not needed, but families must register on the secure online portal. See the FCPS website for more information about student diagnostic testing, including site locations and schedules. For support, email fcps@lts.com or call LTS Portal Support at (571) 354-6205.
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Optional Screening Testing for unvaccinated students. Parents and guardians can use the secure online portal to register their unvaccinated child(ren) for optional COVID-19 screening. Once enrolled, you have the option to update your child’s vaccination status and/or withdraw consent for testing anytime. [Student-athletes should use the separate portal provided by their coach and Spartan Athletics.]
Technology
Parents, make sure your student brings their laptop and charger home every night.
Guidance For Students Who Are Sick
If your student is not feeling well and/or displaying cold-like symptoms, keep them home and if necessary seek medical advice.
- Call the IAS Attendance Line at 571-423-4269, press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish OR
- EMAIL ATTENDANCE: IAS.Attendance@fcps.edu to alert the school of your student's absence; their absence will be excused.
Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
Quarantine vs. Isolation
- You quarantine when you might have been exposed to the virus and may or may not have been infected.
- You isolate when you are sick or when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Beginning January 10, 2022, FCPS will adopt the following isolation and quarantine guidance for students (based upon December 27, 2021 CDC Guidance):
- Student Quarantine Requirement: 5 days
- Student Isolation Requirement: 10 days [FCPS will NOT adopt CDC’s recommendation for isolation for students as we are unable to implement the required physically distancing protocols during meals.]
- FCPS students who test positive or are diagnosed with COVID-19 will continue to have a 10 day isolation period from school and school-related activities, including sports.
- Students identified as close contacts are required to quarantine for five (5) days and wear well fitting masks for an additional five (5) days when around others in school and during school-related activities, including sports. All close contacts should (not required) take a COVID test at least five (5) days after they last had contact with someone with COVID-19.
Returning to School After COVID Isolation
Students who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are able to return to school when all of the following criteria have been met:
- Student completes at least ten (10) days of isolation from symptom onset for symptomatic students or 10 days since tested for COVID for asymptomatic students; AND
- Student is fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication; AND
- The student’s symptoms have improved; AND
- Student submits the FCPS Isolation Letter with the return date to their attending school
Be Prepared for Inclement Weather
It appears that winter is now in full effect with the ongoing chance of impacting school operations. This is a great time for our families to plan for future inclement weather events.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, FCPS may have to close or delay schools due to inclement weather. In the case of an emergency weather-related closing, delay, or early dismissal, the FCPS website will be updated. Parents will also be able to get this information quickly via FCPS Twitter and Facebook pages. Email and text messages will be sent to parents using weCare@school.
Possible Inclement Weather Decisions Include:
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Two-hour Delay: Students should report two hours later than their regular schedule. (10:10am - 2:55pm) With any delayed opening, the buses will arrive to pick up the students two hours later than the regularly scheduled time.
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Two-hour Early Closure: School will close at 12:55pm.
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All Schools Closed: Schools are closed for all students.
Useful Links & Information:
Listen and Subscribe to FCPS Multilingual Podcasts:
Required Forms:
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FCPS Cares
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