SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATES
Happy Thursday! We thought we would send this today because the Friday before a long break is not when anyone will read anything from the schools :). I want to thank you for your support. This time last year, we were closed as COVID was ravaging our country. Through the ups, downs, and hard knocks of the previous year, and our total return in late winter, we set a path towards a normal that none of us can remember. To be here today, in schools with limited COVID impacts, is a hill we climbed together, and I am grateful to all of you.
COVID Mitigation Matters–Be Safe when you travel and return!
As families travel over the winter break, we wanted to send the latest CDC guidelines for international travel. We ask that you consider these recommendations upon returning to the US and before sending your student(s) back to school on January 3rd.
CDC International Travel Recommendations/Guidance
After Arrival in the United States. You might have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels. You might feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still be infected and spread the virus to others. For this reason, CDC recommends the following:
All Travelers Both Vaccinated & Unvaccinated
Get tested with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after travel.
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after your trip.
If You Are NOT Fully Vaccinated - In addition to the testing recommendations above
If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for ten days after travel.
If Your Test Result is Positive: Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others
If You Recovered from COVID-19 Recently
People can continue to test positive for up to 90 days after diagnosis and not be infectious to others. If you recovered from a COVID-19 infection within 90 days (regardless of vaccination status), you do NOT need to get a test 3-5 days after travel. You also do not need to self-quarantine after travel. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate and consult a healthcare provider for testing recommendations.
PLEASE USE THE WINTER BREAK TO GET A COVID VACCINE BOOSTER! IT IS NOW OPEN TO STUDENTS 16 AND 17 YEARS OLD!
FCCPS COVID By The Numbers
Data: | This Week | Cumulative from August 1 |
# of Student Cases: | 4 | 44 |
# of Staff Cases | 2 | 9 |
# of Students in Quarantine | 4 | 143 |
FCCPS Rate of Transmission | HIGH for Falls Church City Substantial for Fairfax Health District | |
Please note that this data is just a snapshot of FCCPS in total and is adjusted based on the outcomes of each contact tracing investigation.
Winter Fun Challenges for Students
Everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved two-week Winter Break. This is a special time of year where all should relax and spend quality time with family. The Curriculum, Instruction, and Achievement team invites students and their families to participate in “choice” activities to promote family engagement and social interaction with peers. The activities are aligned with academic content without any expectation of completion. The goal is to encourage exploration and socialization in an unstructured fun way. Change the challenges or topics to meet your family’s needs, and ENJOY!
Check out the Fun Family Challenges and Activities for Winter Break
Actividades familiares divertidas para las vacaciones de invierno en español
Peter