Peter Noonan, the superintendent of schools for Falls Church City Public Schools has issued the following statement that explains the modifications being made to the school system’s operations in response to the coronavirus crisis:
“In keeping with our promise for frequent information to our community, I want to share with you the next progressive steps we are taking to address the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis. Today, after consulting with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), and reviewing updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FCCPS will implement the following modifications to our operations.
These following changes will be in effect beginning this Monday, March 16th, and lasting through Friday, April 10th, when FCCPS will reassess the situation:
All field trips are canceled.
There will be no large group events held before, during, or after school, in which we can not safely implement social-distancing practices. Expect most events scheduled during this time to be postponed and rescheduled to a later date.
Spring sports will continue as they are held outside, and there is the ability to support (and we encourage) social distancing practices in our venues.
Our Day Care program and after school activities and clubs such as TOPS, Hero, Strings, etc… will continue so long as schools are open
There will be no guest speakers, non-parental visitors, nor non-instructional related visitors allowed in our schools. In addition, we ask parent volunteers to be mindful of visits to our schools and help support our efforts to reduce the number of outside adults in the building.
To allow us more access to all of our facilities for deep cleaning, indoor facilities will be closed to usage by outside groups, including Falls Church City Recreation and Parks activities.
Parents of students who have diabetes, respiratory conditions such as asthma, and compromised immune systems are encouraged to discuss this situation with your healthcare provider. Should you and your healthcare provider determine additional strategies are needed for your student, we want to support that recommendation. Therefore all absences will be excused and their school work will be provided to assist students with keeping pace in their classwork.
The Fairfax County Health Department, today, assured us that despite the increase in presumptive positive cases in Virginia, there is currently no evidence of community spread in our area, and they do not recommend the closure of schools at this time. We are remaining in constant contact with the FCHD, the Virginia Department of Health, Falls Church City General Government, and our regional partners. As this situation continues to evolve, we will continue to provide you with updates as we learn more.
There is so much unknown during this time, but the one constant is that FCCPS will be here to support our students and families. Take care of and help one another. #BetterTogether”
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