School Health & Safety Update

Dear DCPS Community,  As we approach the end of July, we are now 30 days until the start of the new school year. The coming month is going to consist of traditional back-to-school activities, such as students getting school supplies and teachers preparing their classrooms. But there will also be some new things for many of our students, like wearing a face mask during the school day and families attending a building open house to learn about health and safety measures.     Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been the priority of DC Public Schools to prioritize health and safety while maximizing learning and promoting equity. The disruptive nature of the pandemic also requires us to be flexible to meet our reopening goals. We work closely with local health officials and follow federal guidance for school reopening.   DCPS’ plans to reopen this fall for every student, every day is based on the tremendous work and experience our staff and community has done to date. Last school year, nearly a quarter of DCPS students joined in-person programming, and this summer we have over 14,000 students learning with their teachers and classmates at school.   Health & Safety for In-Person Learning

Follow this link for more about the health and safety measures that you will see every day. In the coming weeks, we will share an additional update before the start of school to align with new guidance forthcoming from DC Health. This will include more information around student cohorts and quarantine rules for in-person learning.  As we announced back in June, here’s what you can expect this fall:   HVAC enhancements for well-ventilated spaces.  Required face masks for all students, staff, and visitors.  Enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces.  Social distancing to the extent possible, with most classroom seating expected to be at least three feet apart.  Verbal health screens upon entry for all students and staff.  Community notifications should there be a positive COVID-19 case at school.  Even though this is an unpredictable time, families should have confidence that we have taken the necessary steps and then some to ensure your child is welcomed back to a safe and supportive learning environment.   New Incentives for Youth Who Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine  Yesterday, Mayor Bowser announced new incentives available to DC youth who receive the COVID-19 vaccine.    Beginning Saturday, August 7, youth who receive their first dose at Brookland Middle School, Johnson Middle School, or Sousa Middle School clinics can receive a $51 VISA gift card. Additionally, the first 400 youth to get vaccinated at each site will have the option to forgo their gift card and instead receive a pair of AirPods. The AirPods will be available to District youth ages 12 to 17, as well as students ages 18 to 21 who are currently enrolled in a DC school and seeking a high school diploma.  In addition, all students in DC who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will also be eligible to win an iPad or a $25,000 college scholarship. Each week, for four weeks, 10 names will be drawn from a database of students between the ages of 12 and 17. Eight names will be drawn to win an iPad and two names will be drawn for a $25,000 college scholarship that can be used at any college. Once student names are drawn, a District representative will reach out to the family to confirm the student’s vaccination status. If the student is already vaccinated, they will be able to claim their prize.  School Immunization Clinics

Beginning Monday, August 2, families will be able to schedule appointments so their students can receive required immunizations through vaccinate.dc.gov. Appointments will be at participating DCPS and public charter school locations, and families can make an appointment regardless of a student’s school of enrollment. Additionally, families will have the option to add on a COVID-19 vaccine at the time of scheduling. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for all students 12 and older but is not considered a required immunization.   There will be 2,000 appointments available each week at the DCPS pop-up immunization clinics for students to get ready for the start of school. Appointments will begin on Saturday, August 7 and will run through the end of September. See the schedule and learn more at dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines.  RSVP for Parent University   As I testified before the DC Council last week, we know what it takes to build great schools at DCPS. We have seen firsthand the progress that comes when we invest in our students and support our educators. The pandemic disrupted our way of life, our classrooms, and our ability to nurture our students with in-person learning and care. But it will not disrupt our positive trajectory as a school district.    As the fastest improving urban school district in the nation, what we are doing is working. But we know we have more to do to make sure every student benefits from the transformative power of public education. Our challenge now is to rebuild even stronger than before.  We appreciate you being part of the journey from recovery to rebuilding and invite you to join our upcoming Parent University session on getting your child ready for next school year. The event will take place on August 10 at 5:30 p.m., and you can RSVP at this link.  Sincerely,   Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.   Chancellor

Dear DCPS Community,  As we approach the end of July, we are now 30 days until the start of the new school year. The coming month is going to consist of traditional back-to-school activities, such as students getting school supplies and teachers preparing their classrooms. But there will also be some new things for many of our students, like wearing a face mask during the school day and families attending a building open house to learn about health and safety measures.     Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been the priority of DC Public Schools to prioritize health and safety while maximizing learning and promoting equity. The disruptive nature of the pandemic also requires us to be flexible to meet our reopening goals. We work closely with local health officials and follow federal guidance for school reopening.   DCPS’ plans to reopen this fall for every student, every day is based on the tremendous work and experience our staff and community has done to date. Last school year, nearly a quarter of DCPS students joined in-person programming, and this summer we have over 14,000 students learning with their teachers and classmates at school.   Health & Safety for In-Person Learning

Follow this link for more about the health and safety measures that you will see every day. In the coming weeks, we will share an additional update before the start of school to align with new guidance forthcoming from DC Health. This will include more information around student cohorts and quarantine rules for in-person learning.  As we announced back in June, here’s what you can expect this fall:   HVAC enhancements for well-ventilated spaces.  Required face masks for all students, staff, and visitors.  Enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces.  Social distancing to the extent possible, with most classroom seating expected to be at least three feet apart.  Verbal health screens upon entry for all students and staff.  Community notifications should there be a positive COVID-19 case at school.  Even though this is an unpredictable time, families should have confidence that we have taken the necessary steps and then some to ensure your child is welcomed back to a safe and supportive learning environment.   New Incentives for Youth Who Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine  Yesterday, Mayor Bowser announced new incentives available to DC youth who receive the COVID-19 vaccine.    Beginning Saturday, August 7, youth who receive their first dose at Brookland Middle School, Johnson Middle School, or Sousa Middle School clinics can receive a $51 VISA gift card. Additionally, the first 400 youth to get vaccinated at each site will have the option to forgo their gift card and instead receive a pair of AirPods. The AirPods will be available to District youth ages 12 to 17, as well as students ages 18 to 21 who are currently enrolled in a DC school and seeking a high school diploma.  In addition, all students in DC who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will also be eligible to win an iPad or a $25,000 college scholarship. Each week, for four weeks, 10 names will be drawn from a database of students between the ages of 12 and 17. Eight names will be drawn to win an iPad and two names will be drawn for a $25,000 college scholarship that can be used at any college. Once student names are drawn, a District representative will reach out to the family to confirm the student’s vaccination status. If the student is already vaccinated, they will be able to claim their prize.  School Immunization Clinics

Beginning Monday, August 2, families will be able to schedule appointments so their students can receive required immunizations through vaccinate.dc.gov. Appointments will be at participating DCPS and public charter school locations, and families can make an appointment regardless of a student’s school of enrollment. Additionally, families will have the option to add on a COVID-19 vaccine at the time of scheduling. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for all students 12 and older but is not considered a required immunization.   There will be 2,000 appointments available each week at the DCPS pop-up immunization clinics for students to get ready for the start of school. Appointments will begin on Saturday, August 7 and will run through the end of September. See the schedule and learn more at dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines.  RSVP for Parent University   As I testified before the DC Council last week, we know what it takes to build great schools at DCPS. We have seen firsthand the progress that comes when we invest in our students and support our educators. The pandemic disrupted our way of life, our classrooms, and our ability to nurture our students with in-person learning and care. But it will not disrupt our positive trajectory as a school district.    As the fastest improving urban school district in the nation, what we are doing is working. But we know we have more to do to make sure every student benefits from the transformative power of public education. Our challenge now is to rebuild even stronger than before.  We appreciate you being part of the journey from recovery to rebuilding and invite you to join our upcoming Parent University session on getting your child ready for next school year. The event will take place on August 10 at 5:30 p.m., and you can RSVP at this link.  Sincerely,   Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.   Chancellor