The situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve. ACPS is working closely with the Alexandria Health Department to ensure we are implementing their recommendations. We will continue to share any new information with you as soon as it becomes available. The Alexandria Health Department has assured us that the risk to our schools remains low at the present time and that we can continue to hold regular classes.
However, with several confirmed cases in the DC region, we are actively preparing for a time when we may need to take additional action, including potentially closing one or more of our schools.
We are finalizing our operational and instructional plan should we need to close for any length of time. If we are directed to close, we will utilize instructional options including online learning and printed resources. These are the tools that students already currently use to learn and are familiar with these instructional resources. More details on the options for each grade level will follow should we be required to close temporarily.
Anyone with a fever should stay home from school for at least 24 hours after the fever has gone without the use of medication. Individuals who need medical care should contact their primary care physician. Anyone who has come into contact with anyone confirmed with coronavirus should contact the Alexandria Health Department. Potentially impacted schools will be thoroughly cleaned overnight.
- Student illness guidelines can be found on the ACPS website. Any absence due to illness is an excused absence.
- Staff should follow the staff sickness policy.
- We will be working with your schools to consider possible educational support options for students who are unable to attend school.
Please be assured that our daily collaboration with the Alexandria Health Department means that you will be informed immediately should we be advised to implement different actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We will continue to provide you frequent updates as new information becomes available.
In the meantime, please continue to work with us to ensure your family is ready and your child is set up for success. Please see the ACPS website for additional information. If you have questions about ACPS and the coronavirus, please contact us via the Contact Us section of the website.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
Additional information sent on March 10, 2020:
Dear ACPS Parents and Guardians,
In an abundance of caution, we are sharing that we have members of the ACPS community who have self-quarantined after contact with confirmed cases of coronavirus or recent travel to high-risk areas. ACPS works closely with the Alexandria Health Department, who decides what actions we need to implement.
At this time, there is no known case of coronavirus in our schools. Anyone who has come into contact with anyone confirmed with coronavirus should contact the Alexandria Health Department.
Please see the letter sent out today for further details about ACPS’ response to the evolving situation around the coronavirus.