ACPS continues to implement health and safety measures for the 2021-22 school year to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Mitigation measures include.
- Universal masking in all ACPS buildings and vehicles
- Weekly on-site screening testing at every school for students and staff
- Daily testing for athletes and mask wearing reinstituted during practices and competition
- High percentage of vaccinated staff members
- High percentage of vaccinated secondary students
- Ventilation measures in all buildings (including HEPA purifiers)
- Handwashing stations
- Vaccine availability
In returning after winter break, we ask parents to continue using the daily health screening and ensuring that their students wear a mask over their nose and mouth every day. In addition, families should ensure that their students bring home their devices each day. ACPS continues to adjust measures based on the latest health guidance and best practices. Based on the new CDC guidance, staff is revising the Daily Symptom Checker for staff and students, the close contact process and the real-time dashboard.
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, ACPS asks all families to participate in the free on-site weekly testing offered in all of our schools. This is provided by Curative staff on a voluntary basis to students whose families complete the registration form and provide consent in advance. For registration and details, visit our COVID-19 on-site testing web page.
KN95 Masks
ACPS is continuing to require masks while in any ACPS facility or vehicle. The Facilities and Operations Department is working with vendors to determine the availability of supply and purchase of KN95 masks for all staff and students. We are working with the Alexandria Health Department to determine all optimal mask options for students. In the interim, ACPS will increase our supply of surgical masks for double-masking or as an alternative to the cloth reusable masks we have already provided to students and staff.