We believe strongly in a caring culture, respecting and understanding each other and how we can grow and thrive together in our school community, Brabrand said. Fairfax County Public Schools is also dropping its mask requirement based on a new state law allowing a mask opt-out for students. Youre taking our kids right to choose and I dont feel thats right, parent Nestor Lopez said. Businesses have the right to set up requirements on their own. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Scott Gelman | [email protected]. Arlington County will leave their mask mandate in place until March 1. Fairfax County Public Schools is one of several school districts including Loudoun and Arlington Counties to maintain the mask mandate after the governor signed his order. However, parents can submit opt-out forms if they prefer for their child to not wear a mask. If that effort fails to persuade the student to mask up, parents will be contacted to direct the student to comply. "We'll have some outdoor classrooms and outdoor areas in many schools for eating," Brabrand said. But now is not the time, at the greatest surge we ever had in the pandemic. Make sure your students understand the importance of a good education and regular attendance. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Latest vaccination numbers in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Mother of unarmed man shot, killed by police near Tysons mall demands video, records, 1 killed in Fairfax Co. crash, police say. As a school division, we continue to be concerned about the health of our Fairfax community and strongly recommend that all students continue to participate in universal masking for the protection of students and staff with health concerns, Brabrand wrote. In a posting on its website, FCPS said while COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the county is still in high transmission, and masking requirements currently remain. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. This is going farther than what it needs to be, as far this mandate for masks. Last year, if a Fairfax County student or teacher tested positive, the entire class would switch to distance learning for a couple of weeks. Under new CDC guidelines, released Friday, people, including schoolchildren, should wear masks when the risk of COVID-19 is high. Many Fairfax County parents including Marian Perez are pleased with the decision to require masks. , according to CDC data collected through Sunday. Because our plan is based on scientific data, we believe this plan gives us a roadmap to move forward safely. the school system said. Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter:Your forecast. All rights reserved. 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Northwest D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles. Prince Georges County: Masks will be required for students, teachers and staff inside Prince Georges County Public Schools this fall, officials said Monday. Schools CEO Monica Goldson said the vaccination rate among eligible students is still too low, at 50%. As COVID-19 vaccination rates stall and the delta variant spreads across the United States, school districts in the D.C. area are announcing their plans on whether to require masks this fall. All Rights Reserved. To change the language of this website, click the drop-down list and select the desired language. Your commute. The Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) system hasnt gotten the memo. All Rights Reserved. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the schools student newspaper. 5425 Wisconsin Ave WebCONTACT INFORMATION: Our administration office at 10777 Main Street in Fairfax is open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Several school systems are lifting their mask mandates early. As we work through this change, we will honor our value of a caring culture.. The superintendent of Virginias largest school system said in a message to families Friday that parents and guardians can choose for their children to go maskless in schools and on buses beginning March 1. Fairfax County Public Schools issued a reminder that its policy on wearing masks has not changed. Seven school districts in Virginia sued Gov. There are still many anxious staff and parents of immunocompromised students. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, after his January executive order made masks in school optional. The county has a seven-day average positivity rate of, passed a bill on Wednesday allowing parents to ignore local school boards mandates on children wearing masks, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Latest vaccination numbers in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Mother of unarmed man shot, killed by police near Tysons mall demands video, records, 1 killed in Fairfax Co. crash, police say. Layered prevention strategiescan serve to limit exposure and transmission of the virus. Rick Massimo | [email protected]. We will share updates as we receive them, Brabrand said. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand wrote that there wouldnt be a formal opt-out process for students who choose not to wear masks. The school board said they endorsed the interim superintendents decision in order to protect students and staff. Her 5-year-old son is entering kindergarten with a compromised immune system. Fairfax County Superintendent Scott Brabrand has called for universal masking to remain in place on campuses as COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. Fairfax County Public Schools has created a plan that details how they will implement their roll-back strategy on masks and other Fairfax County Public School students will return to class Tuesday after a long weekend, and masks will still be required despite an order from the Virginia governor. Through the years, Neal has covered many of the crimes and trials that have gripped the region. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. All Rights Reserved. But, you won't have to wear masks in private businesses like restaurants and groceries. Everyone 6 months and olderare eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The Fairfax County Health Department has developedguidancefor managing COVID-19 cases and outbreaks inyouth athletic and club programs, including both in-school and after-school recreational programs as well as for childcare programs, including in-home daycares and before/after school programs. Prince Georges County: Masks will be required for students, teachers and staff inside Prince Georges County Public Schools this fall, officials said Monday. In the event of a regional surge, FCPS says it may need to adjust its layered prevention strategies to safely provide in-person instruction. In a letter, the group encouraged people to send letters to principals stating, forced masking is wrong. They asked people to be courteous and respectful to school staff. Please wear a mask. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. It is open Monday Friday,9 a.m. 5p.m. You can also find additional helpful information in the following resources: 12000 Government Center Pkwy Fairfax County Public School students will return to class Tuesday after a long weekend, and masks will still be required despite an order from the Virginia governor. Fairfax County Public School students will return to class Tuesday after a long weekend, and masks will still be required despite an order from the Virginia governor. The Health Department continues to work closely with our partners in the schools to prevent the spread of the illness and disinformation about COVID-19. Citing new information about the variant's ability to spread among vaccinated people, the CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. Fairfax, VA 22035. Web accessibility ensures access to the web for everyone, regardless of disability. Masks will be worn at all times by both staff and students indoors and on school buses, but are not required when eating or when outside during recess, PE, or other activities, FCPS said to families. The school pointed to its dress code policy as a reference for how it will handle any situation where a student won't wear a mask. FCPS maintains security standards and procedures in accordance with federal and state regulations and in reference to industrial best practices. Spotsylvania County: The school board voted 6-1 on Monday night to strongly urge students in all grades to wear masks this fall. Wearing masks will be optional for students beginning March 1. VisitRecent Changesfor policies that have been updated in the last 45 days. Glenn Youngkins Disclaimer. Fairfax County Public Schools announced its plans to safely scale back layered prevention measures, Thursday, as Virginias House of Delegates readies to Booster doses are now available for those 6 months and older as well. Efforts to vaccinate students are ongoing. Disclaimer. To read the full statement from Fairfax Schools. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, In a message to the school community last Friday, Sign up for WTOPs coronavirus email newsletter, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Latest COVID-19 vaccination numbers in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Mother of unarmed man shot, killed by police near Tysons mall demands video, records, 1 killed in Fairfax Co. crash, police say. State health and education officials recommended masks in elementary schools regardless of vaccination status, and in middle and high schools among students and staff who are not fully vaccinated, at a minimum. Charles County: Masks will be mandatory on school buses but optional in school buildings. If the student still refuses, school official said Once local transmission rates drop to the moderate range, masking will be optional, according to FCPS. Our steps forward will be measured and guided by expert recommendations and local health data," said Scott S. Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. FCPS also encouraged anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated if they have not yet received their vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. 2023 WTOP. If that effort fails to persuade the student to mask up, parents will be contacted to direct the student to comply. Your news.Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Glenn Youngkin has said hell sign it, perhaps with an emergency clause requiring it be implemented immediately. But this isnt a steadfast rule based around transmission rates. You can read the full item I introducedhere. As Fairfax County public school students return to classes Tuesday following an extra-long weekend, school officials have outlined a plan to enforce the policy of mask-wearing in schools. Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips. Masks are still required for adults on school property, including staff and teachers, Brabrand said. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. The school district will regularly review their requirements, they said. Parents with questions about school procedures should contact their school. Now is the time to stay the course, Fairfax County schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said. FAIRFAX, Va. Fairfax County Public Schools will make mask-wearing optional on school property starting Tuesday. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cases continue to be identified in our schools and we expect contact tracing to be done in all sites. The move follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This page explains how FCPS gathers information on our web site and with whom and under what conditions we share this information. Fairfax will begin its roll back strategy after the surrounding community reaches moderate transmission for seven consecutive days, according to FCPAs Face coverings are still required when participating in the countys test-to-stay program and when returning to school on day six of a 10-day quarantine. 703-267-3511 TTY 711 [email protected] 10777 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 School districts in Northern Virginia are taking different approaches to mask guidelines. View important information about our policy and find out who to contact if you have questions or concerns. "If there is a need to quarantine a particular student we would be reaching out to them," he added. Including the following scenarios: In Fairfax County, masks will still be required on public transportation, indoor government facilities, healthcare settings, (including clinics operated by Fairfax County Health Department and Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board) and congregate settings (jails, shelters and group homes). Maintaining the layered prevention strategies is our only way out of this pandemic that has now taken more than 1,400 lives just in Fairfax County.. The comments were made Thursday by Fairfax County board member Abrar Omeish, 28, in reference to the Day of Remembrance for the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. Citing continued high transmission rates, he said keeping the mask regulation is crucial in keeping schools safe for all children and staff. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands. Fairfax, VA 22035. Glenn Youngkins executive order giving parents the right to decide whether their student wears a mask in school, school officials said mask-wearing in schools will be enforced. In a statement, Kimberly Adams, president of the Fairfax Education Association that represents over 4,000 school employees, said: There are many people who will not be protected by removing a mask requirement. The school district said based on new CDC guidance showing low transmission in Fairfax County, masks will also be optional for staff starting March 1. Neal Augenstein has been a reporter at WTOP since 1997. Everyone ages 6m and above should get vaccinated if you have not done so already, and get a booster dose if you're eligible. The science tells us that the way to keep school buildings open is through layered mitigation vaccines and boosters, well-fitting masks, testing and proper ventilation, president Tina Williams said in a press release. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand. 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Northwest D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles. No decisions have been announced yet in Alexandria, or Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William counties. Fairfax County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks after notching a victory in its lawsuit against Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order stating that parents can choose whether their child wears a face covering to school as of Monday, Jan. 24. Universal masking will only be required during high or substantial community transmission rates, the schools system said. Dick Uliano | [email protected]. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. WebThe Fairfax County Health Department has developed guidance for managing COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in youth athletic and club programs, including both in-school and Copyright 2022 by WTOP. 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