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Dear Westbriar Families,
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been providing a COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing program to students and staff as part of its layered prevention strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the community level for Fairfax County is currently classified as low; this classification has continued for the past month. In addition, Fairfax Health District COVID-19 Vaccination Status information indicates that more than 70% of all Fairfax Health Districts residents have been fully vaccinated (defined by receiving two of a two-dose vaccine or one of a single-dose vaccine). More than 80% of residents have received one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Vaccination rates by age group indicates that more than 50% of students ages 5-11 and more than 90% of students ages 12-17 have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 Vaccinations are free and available at various locations in our community.
Based on these metrics and CDC guidance, FCPS will discontinue the following prevention strategies on April 22, 2022:
- Optional weekly screening testing for all schools
- Diagnostic testing for symptomatic students and staff at FCPS drive-through sites
Our last day for screening testing here at Westbriar will be Monday, April 18th.
If students or employees have symptoms and need to get tested, the following options are available:
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COVID-19 Testing - Fairfax County Health Department offers COVID-19 testing at various sites throughout the county.
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At-Home Test Kits - Students leaving the school CARE Room with symptoms of illness are provided an at-home test kit.
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Test-To-Stay Program - In partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), FCPS is providing access to the Test-To-Stay program for students who have been identified as a close contact when an outbreak has been declared. This program is available to any student who meets eligibility criteria and whose parent/legal guardian has provided consent for their participation.
While we are encouraged by the continued decline in COVID-19 cases in our community, we are also committed to keeping our schools safe for all to learn and work in person. Please continue to do your part to maintain a healthy learning environment by using prevention strategies including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, monitoring for illness, and staying home when sick.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate through the end stages of the pandemic.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mary Tam, Principal - mhtam@fcps.edu
Ms. Chris Butzer, Assistant Principal – cmbutzer@fcps.edu
Mr. Amos Simms-Smith, Assistant Principal - AOSimmsSmith@fcps.edu
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2022 Parent Input Survey
Each year, parents have the option to provide insight and information about their child(dren) to Principal Tam regarding class placement for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Specific teacher requests will not be accepted due to possible staffing changes that can occur throughout the summer. The link can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/ifSvuem9isiKTxqF8
Deadline to submit the optional form is Friday, May 22nd.
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