FCPS Leadership & School Board Members

Subject: Temporarily reverting to Virtual Instruction 

January 11, 2021

To whom it may concern,

With the new Omicron Variant, we've witnessed an unprecedented increase in COVID cases throughout our community. Governor Ralph Northam has declared a State of Emergency due to overcrowded hospitals, and there are record numbers of young people hospitalized. Last week alone, there were 118,036 COVID cases reported in Virginia. Keep in mind at home tests are not necessarily reported, so the actual value is almost certainly much higher. Lunchrooms in schools all over FCPS have not implemented any type of policy to help combat COVID spread, and so the lunchroom (a place of enjoyment) has shifted towards being a breeding ground for this vicious virus to spread amongst our student population. The Virtual Program offered for at risk students is limited, and at capacity as of right now so students must come to school and be subjected to these conditions unless they contract the virus or come in contact with someone who has. Teachers are being forced to come to school, days after dealing with this virus. These decisions are not being made with the best intentions for educators or students. We all enjoy being back at school, being able to see our friends and make the best out of our limited High School years. However, we can't go to school in fear. With that being said, we are asking for a shift to Virtual Instruction. Not a permanent shift, just until the spike in COVID cases quells. We hope you can make the decision that's best for our FCPS community.

Thank you