UPDATE: FCPS closes March 16 despite earlier decision to open schools

In response to growth of Coronavirus, FCPS keeps schools closed

While out of school, FCPS STEAM gives activity recommendations that one can do at home

Addie Brown, News & Copy Editor
March 16, 2020

As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout Virginia, yesterday FCPS reversed their earlier decision to open schools today, March 16.

FCPS wanted to allow teachers to meet to discuss online learning options for the three week period of school closure, for students to grab their belongings left at school and to distribute laptops to those in need.
“I think not allowing teachers to come to school was the right thing to do and a good precautionary measure, but it’s going to cause some issues with online schooling. It’s just an unprecedented situation,” junior Audrey Alder said.
In an email to FCPS teachers and staff, Superintendent Scott Brabrand explained how school for the next coming weeks will proceed. Teachers can not assign any required work, but may encourage students to perform optional, ungraded activities that can’t count for extra credit. Brabrand will reevaluate the situation on March 27 to determine whether it’s feasible to begin any sort of online schooling. Teachers have been updating students to the best of their ability through Google Classroom and Blackboard.
“Teachers have remained calm and haven’t been putting pressure on us to complete assignments. They’ve been emphasizing that our health is priority and that this situation is new to everyone,” junior Alexia Granados said.
FCPS also expanded their food distribution program to 18 locations, where FCPS students and family members can collect breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30-2 p.m.

FCPS community members should continue to practice social distancing and maintaining good hygiene practices to help contain the spread of COVID-19.