Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday closed most non-essential businesses for at least 30 days and announced that all school buildings will be closed through the end of this academic year.
The announcement was not unexpected, as other school systems have made similar decision in recent days due to community spread of the novel coronavirus illness COVID-19.
Both Alexandria City and Fairfax County Public School systems have been teaching students remotely since Monday, March 16 through a variety of online and printed-out materials.
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Alexandria City Public Schools released a statement on Monday about plans for students for the rest of this academic year. It read, in part:
"Fortunately, our team has been preparing for this eventuality. Our staff is confident we can provide a continuity of learning for all students in ACPS. However, we need a few days to solidify those plans to make sure that our expectations are aligned with the Virginia Department of Education’s guidance and every student within our school division gets what they need.
Tomorrow, we are expecting more guidance from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) around graduation requirements, high school credits, Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, and how to move forward with continuity of learning that meet Special Education requirements. Once this information is released from the VDOE, we will begin to share our refined plan for the extended school closures with our families and staff."
Fairfax County Public Schools released a statement, as well. Here's an excerpt:
"Regrettably, the governor’s announcement also means that all extracurricular programs, athletic programs, and community use activities are canceled through the remainder of the academic year.
Even though schools are closed, our goal is to proceed with continuity of learning for our students. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will be providing school districts additional guidance in the next day or so regarding continuity of learning that has an equity focus. In addition, VDOE will also issue guidance about what graduation requirements will look like for our 12th grade students and expectations for grading and academic year completion for all of our students.
We are navigating uncharted waters, and I am so proud of how everyone is stepping up to meet the challenge. Take care and stay safe. I know that we will persevere through this difficult time together."
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