Monday, November 23, 2020 - WJCC Superintendent Dr. Olwen Herron announced winter high school sports for Williamsburg-James City County public schools are cancelled. The superintendent made the issue an administrative decision, without public notice or discussion during last week's School Board meeting. Although there was no announcement regarding fall and spring sports, it is probable that those seasons will be cancelled too.

Currently, WJCC public schools is the only school system in the Bay Rivers District canceling winter sports. Surrounding localities and counties will continue to play. The Virginia High School League, a statewide sports league comprising public and private high schools, approved a Championship + 1 schedule in September that would allow students to play 60% of their sport’s regular season schedule, starting in December, with modified regional and state championships. WJCC winter sports tryouts were scheduled next week for December 7th.

According to WJCC COVID-19 Dashboard, 17 staff members and 2 elementary students have tested positive for COVID-19.  Here is a quick snapshot of numbers:

- 2,465 students learning on-site, 2 elementary students test positive (.08% student positivity rate) Elementary Schools = .08%, Middle Schools = 0%, High Schools = 0%

- 1,705 staff working on-site, 17 staff test positive (.99% positivity rate)

- Of the 1,705 staff working on-site and 17 positive staff, 7 work at one of the three high schools (.41% high school staff positivity rate) Elementary School staff  = .29%, Middle School staff = .17%, High School Staff = .41%

 - Two Central Office and Operations staff not located in school buildings tested positive.

Winter sports teams started conditioning four weeks ago on October 26th.  There have be no positive tests for these high school students.  Students are penalized for doing all the right things to be safe and well.  These numbers show that 1 out of 1,233 students test positive, 1 out of every 114 school staff members tested positive that are on-site.  All groups listed on the COVID-19 Dashboard show less than 1% positivity rate for all our schools and other buildings.  

Virginia teens waited patiently for seven months watching family and friends in other states hosting competition and playing under new guidelines. They accepted a shorter sports season so our schools could figure out how to safely play sports later in the year. The VHSL worked tirelessly with Governor Northam and the VA Department of Health to outline how high school sports can be played safely. There are 39 pages of regulations. This was not done frivolously.  WJCC Public Schools has chosen to ignore the recommendations despite other surrounding school districts and VHSL approval to play.

Recreational, private club and travel leagues have been playing sports in Williamsburg successfully. This decision not to play will create a huge inequity. Travel sports are expensive. As the superintendent and school board of a county with large disparities of wealth, it is even more important that WJCC offer sports for those who cannot afford to pay to play.

The benefits of team sports go far beyond exercise -- improved academics, teamwork, leadership, positive mentorships and overall improved mental health. For this school year, these factors are even more important as many teenagers are at home struggling with virtual learning and missing out on the normal activities of their high school years. We all know that there are risks from Covid-19, but studies show many long term risks to teenagers who are facing anxiety, depression, obesity and increased drug and alcohol use during this time.

Stand up and support all student athletes. #letWJCCplay