Mask Guidance Update

Based on new metrics and CDC guidance, FCPS will now adjust our roll back plan and allow everyone - staff and parents/guardians of FCPS students - to make a choice whether or not they will wear a mask starting Tuesday, March 1

Dear FCPS Families and Staff,

On Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 739, which allows parents to opt their children out of mask-wearing effective March 1. We recognize our legal obligations and will maintain our commitment to the health and safety of our students and staff.

Staff has already been planning our roll back of layered prevention strategies in line with our plan. We are hopeful that community transmission will continue to decrease as it has done this week. We anticipate that the CDC may update public health guidance early next week. We will share updates as we receive them.

Please be aware that we are currently still in high transmission and all of our layered prevention strategies, including universal masking, remain in place.

We ask everyone to do their part to keep our schools safe places to learn and to respect our educators and staff who are doing everything possible to keep our schools open and safe. Please monitor for symptoms and stay home when sick. Practice good hygiene, including covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently. We encourage vaccination for all eligible children and adults as the best way to prevent serious illness and reduce absences from in-person learning. 

We also ask everyone to do their part to keep our schools positive and uplifting places to learn. As we finish this school year working our way through what is hopefully the late stages of the pandemic, let’s do so with respect, kindness, and support for all.

Thank you,

Scott S. Brabrand, Superintendent