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. But until then, or until March 1, Brabrand said, Please be aware that we are currently still in high transmission as defined by the CDC, and all of our layered prevention strategies, including universal masking, remain in place., In a statement, Kimberly Adams, president of the Fairfax Education Association that represents over 4,000 school employees, said: We still remain concerned but are hopeful that by March 1 our COVID positivity rates and case counts continue to drop. All Rights Reserved. Driver killed after crashing stolen Maserati on Beltway in Fairfax Co. Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy. Disclaimer. All Rights Reserved. WebFairfax County Public Schools unveiled plans to scale back mask rules and other COVID-19 restrictions. 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 county had previously announced plans to make masks optional once community transmission, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fell into the moderate transmission range. 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 the end, we will respect the legal process, and we are confident that we have a strong legal case, Brabrand said. Access the current versions of FCPS policies, regulations, and notices using ourpolicies index. D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Fairfax County Public Schools is also dropping its mask requirement based on a new state law allowing a mask opt-out for students. Programs are encouraged to adopt these public health recommendations, but policies and practices are up to the discretion of the program administrators in most scenarios. In a message to the school community last Friday, Brabrand said not everyone will agree with the school systems course of action and hopes that the community will support each other and work together to find the right time for us to begin to remove some of our layered prevention strategies, but this is not the time.. "These changes are evidence that we are entering a new phase of the pandemic. 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%. Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter:Your forecast. Brabrand is urging parents to have a talk with their child about their family's preference on mask-wearing in school ahead of Tuesday. Dick Uliano | duliano@wtop.com. 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. We want all families to be confident that their children are learning in a safe, supportive environment. COVID-19 call center hours are MondayFriday, 9am5pm. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. 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 Driver killed after crashing stolen Maserati on Beltway in Fairfax Co. Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy. In a 8-1 vote, the Board passed my motion to support the Fairfax County School Board in their decision to require masks in school only until such time as it is safe to not require them. The school system said contact tracing, isolation and quarantine policies will continue for the time being. 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. Glenn Youngkin signed into law a bill that requires schools in the Commonwealth to make mask-wearing optional by March 1. Parents with questions about school procedures should contact their school. 5425 Wisconsin Ave 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. We recognize our responsibilities to make reasonable accommodations for students to meet their personal religious obligations, ensure that it neither promotes nor discourages religion in the schools, and permit student-initiated religious expression to the same extent that it permits other student speech. Superintendent Scott Brabrand briefed school district principals Friday on the updated mask policy, which says, Any student who refuses to wear a face covering while indoors on school property or during FCPS-provided transportation, and who is not otherwise exempt will be precluded access to face-to-face instructional programming until FCPS also encouraged anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated if they have not yet received their vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. 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. 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 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. DC: D.C. Public Schools will require masks, officials said Friday. Now is the time to stay the course, Fairfax County schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said. Fairfax County Public Schools announced its plans to safely scale back layered prevention measures, Thursday, as Virginias House of Delegates readies to On Thursday, the 12-member school board voted to authorize the countys legal counsel to file an amicus brief in the pending federal case challenging Executive Order No. View details, map and photos of this single family property with 5 bedrooms and 4 total baths. Rick Massimo | rmassimo@wtop.com. 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 superintendent of the Fairfax County, Virginia, public schools said the school mask mandate will be lifted March 1 in accordance with a new law, but remains 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. View important information about our policy and find out who to contact if you have questions or concerns. Gorgeous 5 bedroom/3.5 bath home located on a cul-de-sac. Last year, if a Fairfax County student or teacher tested positive, the entire class would switch to distance learning for a couple of weeks. FAIRFAX, Va. Fairfax County Public Schools will make mask-wearing optional on school property starting Tuesday. Montgomery County: Face masks will be required for students and staff inside Montgomery County Public Schools this fall regardless of vaccination status, officials said Tuesday. The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers said the guidance is clear that masking should remain in place. Starting March 14, a test-to-stay program will also be available at every county school in the case of an outbreak. Once local transmission rates drop to the moderate range, masking will be optional, according to FCPS. Health department authority may be applied in significant outbreak situations. Glenn Youngkin has said hell sign it, perhaps with an emergency clause requiring it be implemented immediately. 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. Looking for more information? We anticipate that the CDC may update public health guidance early next week. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. Screening testing wont be offered during low transmission. All adults, including staff and visitors, are still required to wear masks, Brabrand said. The school board said they endorsed the interim superintendents decision in order to protect students and staff. The news comes as the CDC reversed course on mask wearing, now recommending that people in certain areas should wear masks indoors even if they have been vaccinated against the virus. 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. All Rights Reserved. However, a ruling by Circuit Court Judge James Fisher immediately barred the countys public school system from enforcing its mask mandate. 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. If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate and inform your contacts to stop the spread. 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. It is our hope that FCPS continues to follow CDC guidelines to protect ALL people in our educational environment. "We do not expect to be in a position where we need to close classrooms or schools this year.". While the county says its rollback plan will be triggered by a drop in cases, the plan may become moot if lawmakers in Richmond continue to advance mask-optional legislation that would prohibit local school boards from imposing mask mandates. But, you won't have to wear masks in private businesses like restaurants and groceries. The Fauquier County School Board voted Thursday night to comply with Youngkins order, joining Spotsylvania and Culpeper counties in removing the mask 12000 Government Center Pkwy Youre taking our kids right to choose and I dont feel thats right, parent Nestor Lopez said. In new guidance Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended masks indoors for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. Despite Virginia Gov. 2 and SB 739, the masking and in-person learning legislation. Through the years, Neal has covered many of the crimes and trials that have gripped the region. Everyone 6 months and olderare eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Example video title will go here for this video. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C. Rick Massimo came to WTOP, and to Washington, in 2013 after having lived in Providence, R.I., since he was a child. The Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) system hasnt gotten the memo. 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. RELATED: Virginia Senate passes bill to make masks optional in schools. If that effort fails to persuade the student to mask up, parents will be contacted to direct the student to comply. Universal masking is a critical factor in ensuring all students can return to our buildings, especially when social distancing is not possible and not all our students are eligible yet for vaccinations., NEW - Fairfax County Public Schools will require face masks this fall for everyone inside schools, regardless of vaccination status, when students are present. Fairfax County Public Schools will continue requiring face masks after notching a victory in its lawsuit against Gov. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the schools student newspaper. 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Northwest D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles. As we work through this change, we will honor our value of a caring culture.See more details about these upcoming changes. No more than 2 incomes to qualify. The Fairfax County Web site is being translated through "machine translation" powered by Google Translate. 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. But this isnt a steadfast rule based around transmission rates. In the event of a regional surge, FCPS says it may need to adjust its layered prevention strategies to safely provide in-person instruction. January 26, 2022. 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Northwest D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles. This announcement comes after Virginia Gov. They cited startling new information on the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people. I have a child in the school system, and Ive been really worried about her going into the schools without universal masking, so I really, really appreciate that you are staying the course, Joan Goldfarb said. The county has a seven-day average positivity rate of 9.82%, according to CDC data collected through Sunday. Click below: On March 1, state legislation goes into effect that allows parents/guardians to elect for their children to not wear a mask in schools. "I feel like it's totally fine and I'm happy to send them back to school with masks," parent Megan Jaster said. We will share updates as we receive them, Brabrand said. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. 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. 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. "If there is a need to do something with an individual student - we're not looking at classroom or school-wide closures," Brabrand said. Glenn Youngkins executive order prohibiting school mask mandates. 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. Her 5-year-old son is entering kindergarten with a compromised immune system. The school district is urging parents to have a talk with their child about their family's preference on mask-wearing on school property ahead of Tuesday. 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. Neal's been pleased to receive awards over the years for hard news, feature reporting, use of sound and sports. 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 following public health prevention measurescan helplimit the spread of the virus in our community. This announcement comes after Virginia Gov. All Rights Reserved. Looking for more information? Reverts to original layout including graphics and images. However, parents can submit opt-out forms if they prefer for their child to not wear a mask. The updated guidance places less emphasize on positive cases and more focus on hospital strain. If you are a parent of a student/child at a private school, childcare setting, or camp, reach out to your school nurse oradministrator with questions aboutrequirements for isolation and quarantine. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C. The school system said community transmission levels dropped into the substantial category and they hope it could reach moderate community transmission as early as next week. The CDC expressed concern about the evolving coronavirus and the Delta variant. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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 Make an appointment at www.vaccines.gov or find a location near you. Web4850 Slatestone Court, Fairfax, VA 22030 is a property listed available for rent at $4,300. Stay Up to Date with Your COVID-19 Vaccines. "We are also sharing with our students and school leadership that we're asking students that when they're not eating even during lunch time to put their mask on when they're in very close quarters.". Scott Brabrand said in a letter to families and staff that We recognize our legal obligations under SB739, the ban on school mask mandates passed by the General Assembly this month and signed into law by Gov. At a public hearing Thursday night, Kimberly Adams, president of the Fairfax Education Association, said, We appreciate requiring masks for all employees will continue until we meet the moderate transmission numbers in our county., In a statement Friday, Adams said, Protecting our most vulnerable staff and students remains our priority. If the student still refuses, school official said Whether anchoring the news inside the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center or reporting from the scene in Maryland, Virginia or the District, Dick Uliano is always looking for the stories that really impact people's lives. Masks arent the only policy change FCPS announced will change as transmission rates dip. This morning 30 Woodgrove students (out of a student body of 1,585) refused to wear a mask. Must have good credit. The Fairfax County School Board has approved a new policy on Restraint and Seclusion, effective 12/17/2020. Schools follow established guidelines to offer books in their libraries that meet the needs of students and reflect a global society. Instead, the Virginia school system is defying the states governor and enforcing a pointless universal-masking regime. Several school systems are lifting their mask mandates early. "If there is a need to quarantine a particular student we would be reaching out to them," he added. Fairfax County Public Schools announced plans to scale back its COVID-19 prevention measures as cases decline. If the House passes the bill, Gov. 2023 WTOP. We must continue to respect and serve all our students, including our most vulnerable.. Many of the conspiracy theories contradict each other and the findings in the Energy Department report. Loudoun County, for example, announced hours after Youngkin signed the bill that they would lift their mask mandate Feb. 22. Glenn Youngkin. See this Health Department guidance on isolation and how to identify and inform your close contacts. Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips. All rights reserved, stating that parents can choose whether their child wears a face covering to school, Virginia School Boards Sue as Youngkin Order Lifting Mask Mandate Takes Effect, I Will Bring Every Single Gun Loaded': Virginia Mom Charged in Threat to School Over Mask Policy, Watch News4: Live and Replays on NBC4 App, Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus & Xumo Play, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), 7 Passengers Taken to Hospitals After Turbulence Diverts Lufthansa Flight to Dulles Airport, Check Your Change! To change the language of this website, click the drop-down list and select the desired language. Dear FCPS Families and Staff, On Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 739, which allows parents to opt their children out of mask The move follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disclaimer. Businesses have the right to set up requirements on their own. Gov. Seven school districts in Virginia sued Gov. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. This announcement comes after Virginia Remove all graphics and images from the website so that only the text and links are visible. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, after his January executive order made masks in school optional. , according to CDC data collected through Sunday. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. There are still many anxious staff and parents of immunocompromised students. 2023 WTOP. The school system, Brabrand said, will orchestrate contact tracing in limited circumstances when identified by local health officials and wont tell students to quarantine unless theyre identified as a close contact during a school-based outbreak. Schools follow established guidelines to offer books in their libraries that meet the needs of students and reflect a global society. If we want to ensure in-person education continues uninterrupted and that we keep everyone safe, current mitigation strategies are the best hope of maintaining these goals.. Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All rights reserved. Test-to-stay enables unvaccinated close contacts to remain in school if they test negative for the first five days after exposure. 2023 WTOP. Charles County: Masks will be mandatory on school buses but optional in school buildings.