COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

UPDATE - Effective Monday, March 23, Governor Northam has closed all schools in Virginia for the remainder of the school year. All school and extracurricular activities are cancelled during this time. Please see the March 23 Letter to Families for additional details.

Distance learning practices are in place through the remainder of the school year. Please visit the Distance Learning page for additional information per grade level.

The recent news regarding COVID-19, or what's being called the coronavirus, has understandably caused worry. Please be assured that WPS is working closely with the local Department of Health and city government officials, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), in monitoring the status of the virus and is following current guidance from the VDH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What You Can Do

There are things you and your family can do now to help prevent illness. According to the VDH, best practices include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Taking flu antivirals if prescribed by your healthcare provider if you have the flu.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when you are sick.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is school closed for students?
- Effective Monday, March 23 Governor Northam has closed all schools in Virginia for the remainder of the school year. All school and extracurricular activities are cancelled during this time.
Will WPS hold summer school this year?
- Yes, WPS will host an in-person summer school session for two weeks beginning July 6, 2020. Click HERE to view the health plan.
Does WPS have a health plan for summer school?
- Yes, WPS has a health plan for summer school, you can review the health plan HERE.
Will students be fed during a prolonged school cancellation?
- UPDATE - meal pickup sites will be open only once per week, on Tuesday, beginning Tuesday June 9, 2020. At this time we will also change to a pre-packaged meal that may require refridgeration and/or heating.
- Yes, beginning Wednesday, March 18, WPS will open meal distribution sites at all of our school and many other locations within the city. Any child 18 years and under can receive a breakfast and lunch meal at no cost to the family. The child must be present at the meal pickup.
- Meal pickup sites will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:00am until 12:30pm, beginning Tuesday, March 31. Meals for multiple days will be distributed on those days.
- View an interactive map highlighting all 12 distribution sites.
- WPS is participating in the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program as part of a food assistance plan approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) will provide P-EBT benefits to families of school-age children who no longer have access to free or reduced-price school meals due to public school closures. For more information view the announcement here.
What can I do to help students during this time?
- Food and monetary donations are being accepted during this time through our partner BRIGHTfutures Frederick/Winchester.
- View a list of food items needed.
- Food donations can be dropped off at the Bright Futures Distribution Center, located at 178 Indian Hollow Road, at any time and should be placed in the bins located at the entrance to the center. Or, make a monetary donation via MySchoolBucks.
- For student wellness, our K-8 counselors have created a document to help cope with different emotions at this time. English // Spanish
What can I do for distance learning activities?
- Distance learning practices are in place through the remainder of the school year. Please visit the Distance Learning page for additional information and resources per grade level.
Will I be able to get technology support on my WPS issued equipment?
- Yes. Open tech support center hours will be at the Central Administration Office at 12 N Washington St. (garage door entrance in back of building). Beginning June 1 the summer schedule will change to one day a week, Wednesday from 12-3pm.
- Staff and students will be able to visit the support center for troubleshooting and repairs of WPS issued devices, including chromebooks.
- Phone support is also available during this time at 540-667-4253 ext: 10200
- Note that software support and other technology assistance (non hardware repair related issues) is still available remotely by submitting a Technology Work Order (students, please have your teacher submit your technology support issue).
What if I do not have Internet access at home?
- For information on exterior WiFi access to the WPS network and information on additional WiFi access and resources visit the WPS WiFi Access page on our website.
- With the increase in distance learning as a result of the extended school closure we are sharing some information we received from the Comcast Regional Director. Other local Internet service providers may be expanding their offerings as well, but since Comcast provided us this information we are passing it along to our families.
  - Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once near a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
  - Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: It’s now easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps. Comcast will send all new customers a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem with a Wi-Fi router. There will be no term contract or credit check and no shipping fee.
  - Apply for Internet Essentials: To apply visit https://www.internetessentials.com/apply If the applicant doens't have a SSN or doesn't have a F/R lunch application they may select ‘I do not have a Social Security Number,’ you will see the screen on the right immediately after checking the no SSN box. You can identify who you are using a different method:
    Take a photo with your ID and upload online (selfie flow). If you follow the selfie flow, you will be shown a screen to upload ID and a confirmation message once your selfie has been uploaded.
  - PausingThe Data Plan: With so many people working and educating from home, Comcast wants customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. Comcast is pausing their data plans for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.
  * If there are any questions regarding these offerings from Comcast you may contact them directly at 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Will my child be able to check out a chromebook to use for distance learning during the closure?
- Students in grades 6-12 are issued chromebooks that they take home and should already have them available for distance learning.
- Students in grades 3-5 were given the opportunity to pick up a chromebook during the school closure to use for distance learning.
- Chromebooks checked out to students in grades 3-5 were removed from classrooms and will need to be returned to be used in those classrooms.
- Seniors will return their chromebooks on May 26 and May 27 at JHHS from 10am - 12:30pm.
- Students in grades 3-11 will keep their chromebooks over the summer. Please take good care of them over the summer. Please do not lose them. Be prepared to return them on the first day of the 2020-21 school year. If you are moving or will not return to WPS for the 2020-21 school year you must return them to the school.
- By requesting to check out a chromebook for your student you are accepting responsibility of the device and will be responsible for returning it to their school in the same condition that it was received.
What is WPS doing about the sanitization of the building?
- Custodial crews are daily cleaning all “hot spots” in and outside the building that have high incident contact with hands.
- Custodial crews are using disinfectant that is greater than 60% alcohol.
- During the first week of our closure, March 16-March 20, WPS will conduct a "deep cleaning" of all facilities.
Will students have to make up missed days at the end of the scheduled calendar?
- Initial guidance from the Virginia Department of Education is that all days missed due to the Governor's shutdown order will be excused from calendar requirements.
When will we receive 3rd quarter report cards?
- Secondary (7-12): 3rd quarter report cards will be mailed home the week of March 23, 2020.
- Intermediate (5-6): 3rd quarter report cards will be mailed home the week of March 23, 2020.
- Elementary (PK-4): 3rd quarter report cards will be held until we return to school.
Will we still hold a graduation ceremony?
- At this time, we are abiding by the Virginia Govenor's order respective to social gatherings. Therefore,while we will not hold a traditional graduation ceremony, we will hold a modified in person ceremony with a limited number of visitors. The modified graduation will take place on May 29 and May 30. For details click here.
What should I do regarding overseas travel?
- Anyone returning from overseas travel should follow the CDC Travel Guidelines set forth by the Virginia Department of Health. These guidelines will change, but include detailed directions depending on country of origin.
- If you are returning from overseas travel, please inform your school principal for guidance.
What will happen if staff or students have to be quarantined?
- STAFF: We are proactively investigating temporary paid leave policies that would cover staff. We will be accommodating and generous.
- STUDENTS: Student absences due to quarantine will be excused.

June 9, 2020

Message to Families - Return Planning.pdf 190.85 KB (Last Modified on June 9, 2020)

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April 13, 2020

Message to Families - 04132020.pdf 184.44 KB (Last Modified on April 13, 2020)

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March 30, 2020 | Pre K - 6th Grade

Message to Families PK-6 03302020.pdf 203.46 KB (Last Modified on March 30, 2020)

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March 27, 2020 | Pre K - 6th Grade

Message to Parents PK-6 03272020.pdf 144.46 KB (Last Modified on March 27, 2020)

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March 27, 2020 | 7th - 12th Grade

Message to Parents 7-12 03272020.pdf 221.76 KB (Last Modified on March 27, 2020)

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March 25, 2020

Message to Families 03252020.pdf 110.89 KB (Last Modified on March 25, 2020)

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March 23, 2020

Message to Familes - 03232020.pdf 200.71 KB (Last Modified on March 23, 2020)

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March 18, 2020

Message to Parents 031820.pdf 193.44 KB (Last Modified on March 18, 2020)

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March 16, 2020

Message to Families 03162020 - UPDATED.pdf 173.17 KB (Last Modified on March 17, 2020)

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March 13, 2020

Message to Parents 031320.pdf 105.79 KB (Last Modified on March 13, 2020)

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• CDC: Tips to keep children healthy while schools' out
• VDOE: COVID-19 Parent Guide for School Age Children
•  NBC: How to Talk to Kids
•  NPR for Kids: Exploring the Coronavirus
•  Tips for Discussing Coronavirus with Children
•  Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
•  NBC: How to Talk to Kids

For More Information

CDC has created resources to help you plan for a pandemic. Visit www.cdc.gov/npi for the latest information and resources.

You may also visit the Virginia Department of Education's website for information on COVID-19, or visit their FAQ webpage.

Please reach out to Judy McKiernan, Director of Student Services with any questions or concerns.

The health and well-being of our students and the learning environment is always a primary focus and we are committed to communicating with you throughout this health concern.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

UPDATE - Effective Monday, March 23, Governor Northam has closed all schools in Virginia for the remainder of the school year. All school and extracurricular activities are cancelled during this time. Please see the March 23 Letter to Families for additional details.

What You Can Do

Frequently Asked Questions

When is school closed for students?

Will WPS hold summer school this year?

Does WPS have a health plan for summer school?

Will students be fed during a prolonged school cancellation?

What can I do to help students during this time?

What can I do for distance learning activities?

Will I be able to get technology support on my WPS issued equipment?

What if I do not have Internet access at home?

Will my child be able to check out a chromebook to use for distance learning during the closure?

What is WPS doing about the sanitization of the building?

Will students have to make up missed days at the end of the scheduled calendar?

When will we receive 3rd quarter report cards?

Will we still hold a graduation ceremony?

What should I do regarding overseas travel?

What will happen if staff or students have to be quarantined?

Messages to Families

June 9, 2020

April 13, 2020

March 30, 2020 | Pre K - 6th Grade

March 27, 2020 | Pre K - 6th Grade

March 27, 2020 | 7th - 12th Grade

March 25, 2020

March 23, 2020

March 18, 2020

March 16, 2020

March 13, 2020

Resources for Families

For More Information