SCHOOL UPDATES AND COMMUNICATIONS
This page contains an archive of letters to the community relating to the school's response to the impacts of COVID-19.
VIDEO MESSAGES FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Congressional School's Head of School, Dr. Edwin P. Gordon, sends regular video messages to the community called "Edwin's Short Takes." View the videos below. Click the drop down menu to choose a video and date.
PHYSICAL SPACE MODIFICATIONS
After evaluating current floor plans and future needs we are re-purposing some areas to create additional classrooms and teacher work areas.
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The Advancement Office in the William Ross Building will be renovated and turned into classrooms.
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Non-classroom spaces in both school buildings may be re-purposed to create additional space for students and teachers.
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Some staff members will telework in the fall to help free up rooms and reduce the number of people in the buildings.
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Classes will be spaced throughout the buildings to avoid commingling and prevent the spread of the virus.
CLASSROOM CONFIGURATION
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Grade level cohorts will be established as protective bubbles for students. These cohorts will not mingle with other cohorts but will stay as individual groups throughout the school day and before and after school if they are enrolled in the Extended Hours Program.
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Classrooms will be arranged to achieve recommended physical distancing requirements to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Specialty teachers (world language, art, music, etc.) will move between classrooms with students staying in place.
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Physical Education will be held outside as much as possible or in the gym (with masks for K-8) during inclement weather.
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Tents have been purchased for outdoor academics.
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Lunch will be delivered to the classrooms and may be eaten in class or outdoors under designated tents.
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Sharing of school supplies, devices, toys, books, games and other learning aids will be avoided or limited.
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Outdoor recess areas will be scheduled and assigned with one grade level in one area at a time.
NEW DROP OFF & PICK UP PROCEDURES
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Morning drop off time will begin at 7:45am. Families will be encouraged to arrive in plenty of time to allow for new health monitoring procedures that will include a student temperature check and health screening questions before the student exits the car.
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Specific drop off and pick up locations will be announced before the start of the school year.
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Students and faculty/staff who have a fever, report coronavirus like symptoms, or have potentially been exposed must stay at home.
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Bus students will complete their health screening before getting on the bus. Read more about our bus procedures.
EXTENDED HOURS UPDATE
CALENDAR UPDATE
Note: This date was on the calendar as a day off for Preschool - 8th grade. The date has been revised to include the Infant & Toddler classes.
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
View a PDF of the slide deck from the Thursday, July 9 virtual presentation about the Bi-Modal Learning option.
July 9, 2020
Dear Preschool - Grade 8 Families,
With Virginia now in Phase III of reopening, Congressional School is planning for all students (infants - 8th grade) to be on campus for full days of school (Monday-Friday) when the school year begins on September 2. Our extensive campus, multiple buildings, and our small class sizes will allow us to arrange students and grades with ample social distancing and the four pillars in place for a safe return to school. A document with details of our plans will be shared in August.
We have received a number of inquiries about whether we will offer our auxiliary programs and services (lunch, transportation, extended hours) this fall. These programs will be offered and restructured to ensure they meet new health and safety requirements. Following is an update on our auxiliary program plans. At the end of this letter you will also find an update regarding new school dress code and mask requirements for students in Kindergarten - Grade 8.
TRANSPORTATION
Morning and afternoon bus transportation will be provided through our partner, Virginia Rides. This service will have a number of new protocols in place to protect the health and safety of our students. Among these protocols is assigned seats with physical distancing, stringent cleaning, and use of masks. For more details on our transportation plan, click HERE. If you have questions about the transportation program, please contact Julio Lopez, Auxiliary Program Coordinator.
SCHOOL LUNCH
We are working closely with our partner, Fairfax Food Service, on the school lunch program for this year. Individually boxed hot and cold lunch options will be delivered to the classrooms, and students may eat in the classroom or outside in designated tented areas. Students who do not wish to participate in the school lunch program may bring lunch from home. Questions about enrolling in the lunch program should be directed to Deborah Everson, Senior Accountant.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
This year, students are not required to purchase Dress Uniform items due to the postponement or cancelation of larger community events and field trips when Dress Uniform would typically be worn. Due to this change, school pictures will be taken in Standard “Dress Uniform”, which consists of a black polo with Congressional logo and khaki pants or shorts.
Students in grades 4-8 will not change for PE. Instead, they may wear their PE clothes (PE t-shirt and red or black Lands’ End athletic shorts) to school on PE days. On non-PE days, students must wear Regular Uniform.
Students in Kindergarten - 3rd grade may also wear a PE t-shirt and athletic shorts on PE days if they choose. Please use the link for full details about school uniform requirements for 2020-2021, click HERE. Contact Sam Mom, Registrar if you have any questions about school uniforms.
MASKS
Masks are required for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Masks should be a solid color or with minimal design. No words, sayings, or printed letters except a student name are permitted on masks. Faculty and Administration will determine the appropriateness of any mask. Our preferred provider of school uniforms is Lands' End and a mask has been added to the available options for purchase on their website.
All students in Kindergarten through grade 8 must wear masks at all times with the following exceptions:
- During recess while physical distancing
- During lunch and snack while eating
- During Physical Education if instructed to remove the mask by the teacher.
Students are required to have two masks, one will be worn and one should be in the student’s locker as a back-up in case one is lost or misplaced. Students are responsible for the care and cleanliness of their masks. It is recommended that parents wash student masks each evening. The school will provide a mask to any student that has lost or misplaced any mask.
BI-MODAL LEARNING REMINDER
As a reminder, if you are interested in the bi-modal option for your student due to concerns about COVID-19 (available to K-8) the deadline to request this option is Wednesday, July 15. Please submit your request HERE. More information about bi-modal learning is available on our website.
I hope you have found this update helpful as you plan for the new school year. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
Head of School
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Enhanced hygiene, sanitizing and disinfecting
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Personal protective equipment
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Physical distancing
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Monitoring of health conditions
Biomodal Learning Option Offered
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On Campus Learning - all students return to school for on-campus classes
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Hybrid Learning - a combination of on-campus and online learning designed with smaller numbers of students on campus at one time to allow for enhanced physical distancing
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Congressional School Online - our virtual learning program
Tuition Discount for Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, and Junior Kindergarten for Online Learning
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50% tuition discount for Infants & Toddlers and
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20% tuition discount for Preschool and Junior Kindergarten
On Campus Learning Updates
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After a successful reopening of the Infant and Toddler Classes on June 1, we are looking forward to celebrating an equally successful opening of the Preschool - Grade 8 on September 2. As we prepare to come together on campus again, classrooms and other campus spaces are being reconfigured in some cases to accommodate physical distancing requirements. How we learn and interact will be altered, but in ways that allow our students and teachers to continue their learning and teaching.
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Traffic flow and pedestrian walkways will be marked to limit congestion. Cleaning and sanitation of buildings, classrooms and public spaces will be done frequently and according to strict protocols, and health and safety guidelines.
Other Updates and Next Steps
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
May 7, 2020 Dear Congressional School Families, We are writing today to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support during these difficult weeks. Suspending on-campus classes and pivoting to Congressional School Online has been challenging in many ways, and we are both grateful and impressed with the tenacity and fortitude of our teachers, students, and our parents who have gone above and beyond to ensure that our program of educational excellence continues. As fiduciaries of the School, the Board of Trustees and Head of School have a duty to make decisions that are in the best interest of the institution and advance the School's mission. With the unprecedented circumstances facing us now, the Board and Head of School are laser focused on upholding our collective responsibility to do everything we can to support our families and retain the full employment of our loyal and deeply respected teachers and staff. Today, we have important information to share with you regarding the School’s finances. As you may be aware, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), part of the federal relief response that was passed by Congress, includes funding for for-profit and nonprofit organizations including private schools with fewer than 500 employees. In light of our School’s change in forecasted financial results due to the effects of this pandemic and the recent need to reduce the hours of many teachers and staff, the Executive Committee decided to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, funded through the federal CARES Act. We are pleased to share that Congressional School has received and the Board of Trustees agreed to accept a $1.3M loan that can only be applied to payroll, health insurance, benefits, and other eligible expenses incurred during the current fiscal year. A number of federal compliance requirements are associated with the PPP loan and a letter with details of these compliance requirements is available through this LINK. After careful evaluation and consultation, the Board determined that accepting the PPP loan was aligned with its fiduciary responsibilities and the mission of our School. Congressional School’s teachers and staff are the backbone of our institution, and supporting them and their important work is critical to our success. Upon receiving the loan this week, the School immediately reinstated all faculty and staff who were furloughed or had their hours reduced. As we navigate the immediate future, Dr. Gordon and the School’s Leadership Team will continue to carefully manage the School’s resources. In that regard, prudent and responsible steps have been taken to implement a temporary hold on discretionary spending. Our School has been an integral part of the local community for over 80 years, and currently provides employment to over 120 people during the school year and many more over the summer. As we’ve watched the Coronavirus pandemic unfold along with its associated economic and social challenges, the importance of creative problem solving, critical thinking, and strong leadership have become abundantly clear. As you know, Congressional School is dedicated to developing these competencies in our students and we are as committed as ever to equipping young learners with the skills they need for success - they are our future! Not only does Congressional School provide community employment and an exceptional education for tomorrow’s leaders, the School also prioritizes giving back to our community. Partnerships with organizations such as the Culmore Family Resource Center and Food for Others, fundraisers for disaster relief, and visits to the elderly in nursing homes are just a few examples. In short, our work is vital and it will continue. This year, Congressional School is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The School was founded in 1939 on the heels of the Great Depression and endured through World War II. Over the decades Congressional School has continued to thrive and grow through many economic upturns and downturns - including the more recent 2008 Financial Crisis. Through careful planning and financial stewardship we will emerge from this crisis as a strong and enduring educational institution and this too will be just another chapter in the school’s long and vibrant history. It is an honor to work with such a talented group of teachers, staff, and administrators and to be a member of this caring and close-knit community. We look forward to celebrating our amazing students and teachers during the upcoming Red Carpet Virtual Gala on May 16 and the Online Auction that begins this Friday. In addition, we look with great enthusiasm toward the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and understanding. As always, we invite you to contact us with any questions you may have. With deep gratitude, |
- Infants & Toddlers, Preschool & Junior Kindergarten: 8:00 pm, Thursday, 4/23
- Kindergarten - Grade 4: 1:00 pm, Friday, 4/24
- Grades 5-8: 3:00 pm, Friday, 4/24
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
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Kim O'Neil
Assistant Head of School
Director of Early Childhood & Primary School
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All of your student’s core academic classes and arts classes meet regularly. It is our goal and expectation that rigorous and challenging academics continue. Our talented, dedicated, and professional Faculty are using multiple platforms and tools to deliver a highly effective curriculum. By now, you may have heard of Flipgrid, Sreencastify, Pear Deck and more. Teachers are being creative and innovative in their delivery of curriculum while also using the simple platform of a Google Hangout to interface and work with students. You won’t see Choice Electives due to the complicated task of teaching such a variety of classes virtually; however, you will see some cooking demonstrations from Mr. Bowley!
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Class periods are a little shorter – We have found that planning for 40 minutes online nears the equivalent of planning for 50-55 minutes when in person, and Faculty have found the 40 minute classes to be effective and efficient, especially when the teacher is interfacing with the students for the entire 40 minutes. Students have homework as they normally would so some time outside of class will be required to complete all assignments and expectations.
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Ample transition time – When students are home, they need to log off of one class, take a quick break, gather new materials, and then log back on to the next class. Transition periods are generally 10 minutes long.
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Workshops are new on the schedule- Workshops allow for the extension of learning. While having classes with teachers is the most important component of the schedule, we also know that students need accessibility to their teachers, as would happen in a class when students engage in individual work- hence, the Workshop. Workshops are offered for every core academic class, and are usually offered on a drop day of the same subject. This provides students the opportunity to work on a subject on a drop day, but the teacher is present and ready to assist online, even though the class isn’t being offered on that day.
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Reading Zone – Reading is one of the most, if not the most important activity any child can engage in. We have lengthened Reading Zone so that students continue this extremely important cognitive task that deepens our children’s understanding of the world and enhances many skills such as critical thinking, vocabulary, writing, and more. If your student ever mentions being bored, which happens, tell him/her to read a book.
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Study Hall – We added Study Halls so that students understood that there is an expectation that they work beyond the classes scheduled. Class periods have been shortened, but it is still important for students to do additional work beyond those classes. It is likely that homework will periodically take students beyond Study Hall time as well.
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You will note that in addition to regular classes, several student activities continue. This week, Student Council, Leaders in Equity And Diversity, and Lunch Bunches with Mrs. Ginnetti continue.
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Brent Hinrichs
Associate Head of School
Director of Lower & Middle School
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All of your student’s core academic classes and arts classes meet regularly. It is our goal and expectation that enriching and challenging academics continue. Our talented, dedicated, and professional Faculty are using multiple platforms and tools to deliver a highly effective curriculum. By now, you may have heard of Flipgrid, Sreencastify, or other online tools. Teachers are being creative and innovative in their delivery of curriculum while also using the simple platform of a Google Hangout to interface and work with students. Google Classroom has also been extremely helpful.
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Students are coming together each morning for socialization. While academics continue, we also understand that time to talk, see one another, and further relationships is extremely important. As a school that prioritizes social-emotional learning as well as academics, we are pleased to offer this regular time for students to “catch-up”. We know it’s critical for health and happiness.
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Class periods are a little shorter – We have found that planning for 40 minutes is working, and Faculty have found this length class to be effective and efficient, especially when the teacher is interfacing with the students for a length of time. Students have homework as they normally would so some time outside of class will be required to complete all assignments and expectations.
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Ample transition time – When students are home, they need to log off of one class, take a quick break, gather new materials, and then log back on to the next class. Transition periods are generally 10 minutes long.
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Workshops, Extensions, and/or Catch-Up times are new on the schedules- These times allow for the extension of learning. While having classes with teachers is the most important component of the schedule, we also know that students need accessibility to their teachers, as would happen in a class when students engage in individual work- hence, the Workshop time. Workshops provide students the opportunity to work on a subject, but the teacher is present and ready to assist online, even though the class isn’t formally being held at that time.
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Reading Zone – Reading is one of the most, if not the most important activity any child can engage in. We have lengthened Reading Zone so that students continue this extremely important cognitive task that deepens our children’s understanding of the world and enhances many skills such as critical thinking, vocabulary, writing, and more. If your student ever mentions being bored, which happens, tell him/her to read a book.
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Dismissal at 2:30pm - Although Dismissal is earlier than the regular schedule, students may very likely work beyond the last class. The school day has been shortened slightly, but it is still important for students to do additional work beyond those classes as assigned.
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Establish a Regular Schedule for Your Child - It will be important for your child that you help establish and maintain a routine and structure for their day, beginning with regular daily bedtime and wake up time. Be sure to help your child build in breaks during the virtual school day. Begin and close each day with a brief check-in. Reach out to your child’s teacher if you observe your child struggling. Setting clear expectations will help your child maintain a schedule and stay on top of their schoolwork.
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Create a Study Space for your Child - We recommend that you create a separate, quiet space in your home for your child to study. We recommend that you choose an open area in the family living space (kitchen table, dining room, etc.) to avoid isolating your child and to allow parents/guardians to monitor your child’s learning and screen activity. A room with strong wireless connection will also be important.
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Help Your Student Remove Distractions - Ensure that your child is not distracted by other digital devices or the functions of the Chromebook. If your student should be doing homework, be mindful of what your student is doing. Having Chromebooks at home is new for our 3rd and 4th grade students and Google Hangouts are very interesting and fun….Students can be distracted easily- help them develop and maintain healthy study habits which includes sustained attention to one task at a time without other distractions.
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Stay in Communication with Your Child’s Teachers - Your child’s teachers and School Leadership will maintain regular communication with you. Reach out to them as needed as well keeping in mind that teachers will need to be in regular email communication with all of their families. Do your best to keep communication succinct and to the point.
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Encourage and Allow for Productive Struggle - Stay engaged in your child’s learning by asking them questions and having them share their thoughts while encouraging their independence so they can take ownership of their own learning. It’s okay for your child to not have answers to everything immediately, Some productive struggle is essential to learning, so we ask that parents allow their children to grapple with problems and come up with ideas for tackling them. Stepping in too quickly to help solve problems will deprive your child of the opportunity to learn, try new approaches, and gain greater independence and confidence. If your child becomes discouraged and/or overwhelmed by schoolwork, please reach out to your child’s teachers.
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Encourage Your Child To Maintain Social Contact With Peers - It will be very important for your child to stay in social contact (through virtual means) with their friends and peers during school closure. Encourage your child to interact with friends through phone conversations or Facetime. They can form study groups created by their teachers or informal groups that they develop on their own, but please monitor the frequency and length of these interactions. Social interactions, even through virtual means, will help your child stay connected and feel a part of the School community.
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Encourage Physical Movement - Our physical education teachers have developed online instructions for students. Physical movement and exercise are vital to maintaining physical and mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving concentration and focus for more effective learning and retention. Students can also choose to do their own physical activities- as spring arrives, there are many opportunities to be outside.
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Brent Hinrichs
Associate Head of School
Director of Lower & Middle School
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Every day, students in PS - 2nd grade will have daily Zoom Meetings at 8:30am with their teachers and other classmates. This will provide students the opportunity to see their friends, interact live with their teachers and have a morning meeting so that they can remain connected. Morning meetings may include songs, games, personal shares and mini lessons.
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PS - 2nd grade students will have the opportunity to participate in Zoom classes with their specials teachers 1x per rotation per special class.
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Students in PS - 2nd grade will have personal weekly “check-ins” from their teachers. This will be arranged between each family and the teacher. Check-in’s can be in the form of FaceTime calls, Zoom sessions or phone calls.
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Chromebooks have been ordered for all 2nd grade students. When they arrive, our technology department will work on setting them up and once they are ready members of our staff will deliver them to your homes. We will share more information with a timeline when available. More information on this will be shared directly with 2nd grade families.
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New daily schedules for each grade level with Zoom meet-ups will be shared with you prior to our return on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
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Kim O'Neil
Assistant Head of School
Director of Early Childhood & Primary School
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Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
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Friday, March 13 - Last Day of In-Person Classes. Campus is closed as of 6 p.m.
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Monday, March 16 - 9:00am - 12:00pm - Buildings open for Students & Families to retrieve personal and learning materials. No access to buildings after 12:00pm.
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Monday & Tuesday, March 16 & 17 - Planning and Preparation Days for Faculty and Staff (No Classes)
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Wednesday, March 18 - Friday, March 20 - Remote Teaching & Learning
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Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27 - Remote Teaching & Learning
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Monday, March 30 - Wednesday, April 1 - Remote Teaching & Learning
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Thursday, April 2 - Friday, April 3 - Spring Break Bonus Days
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Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 13 - Spring Break
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Tuesday, April 14 - School Reopens (unless otherwise notified)
Spring Musical - Disney’s Frozen, Jr.
The Red Carpet Gala, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at the Arlington Gateway Hotel, is now cancelled and the live auction will be moved online. The Advancement Office and the Gala Committee are working to transition the event and separate communications will be sent with details, including information for those who have purchased tickets or supported the event in other ways.
Lead teachers in the Infant and Toddler classes will touch base with parents twice each week via email with suggested activities and resources that parents can do with their children to reinforce learning and build skills.
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
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Wash your hands
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Cover your coughs and sneezes
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If you feel sick, STAY HOME and keep children at home
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Stay away from people who seem sick
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For a high fever or difficulty breathing, see the doctor immediately
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Let the school nurse know if a child becomes ill
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
- World Health Organization (WHO) information about Coronavirus
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Situation Summary Virginia Department of Health
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD