Henrico families,

Henrico County Public Schools continues to monitor local, regional and national updates related to COVID-19 (coronavirus), and we continue to work on response plans. The school division has shared two updates (Feb. 28 and March 6) about what all of us can do to remain healthy and safe. Of course, we know there are additional concerns we must address.

HCPS is continuing a thorough cleaning schedule in schools. This includes the use of deep-cleaning disinfectants in areas with increased absences. We are also making plans to continue the teaching-and-learning process from home in the rare event that a prolonged school closure may be necessary.

COVID-19 in Virginia (Source: Virginia Department of Health)

Here are some additional answers to questions as of March 11, 2020:

What is HCPS doing about school-sponsored travel?

We are carefully monitoring the presence of COVID-19 in the locations where we have scheduled trips.

Out of an abundance of caution, all school- and school division-sponsored travel outside of the greater Richmond area (field trips, athletic trips, etc.), will be postponed through Monday, April 13, which is the last day of Spring Break. For purposes of this announcement, “sponsored” means travel that is approved and/or financially supported by Henrico County Public Schools.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. This decision was made in careful consideration of the long-term health and safety of our students and families.

Individual groups, organizations, and/or event coordinators still reserve the right to postpone or cancel travel based on specific circumstances. Additional communication would come from the specific group or organization.

HCPS employees will receive separate guidance from a supervisor as it relates to job-required travel.

What guidance exists about traveling abroad (personal trips, family vacations, etc.) during Spring Break?

Spring Break begins Saturday, April 4. It’s important for families to become familiar with guidance and travel warnings posted by the Centers for Disease Control: If you are traveling to a country with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, the CDC guidance states: “Travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.”

Currently these countries are identified as Level 3: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. We are asking that any families traveling to these countries adhere to the CDC guidance. If you are staying home for 14 days, please notify your school. School principals can assist with getting work to students who are self-quarantined.

What is HCPS doing about activities, events or gatherings that are scheduled to occur at schools?

Activities, events or gatherings may still go on. Individual groups, organizations, and/or event coordinators still reserve the right to postpone or cancel activities or events based on specific circumstances. In the case of activities or events that are not countywide, additional communication would come from the specific group or organization.

Will HCPS close schools?

There are no plans to close schools at this time. If necessary, this is a decision that would be made jointly by the school division, the county of Henrico, the Henrico Health Department and the Virginia Department of Health. For now, we suggest that you check with your school to make sure your contact information is up to date.

If HCPS did close schools, how would students continue to learn?

The Virginia Department of Education is encouraging school divisions in Virginia to find opportunities for students to learn from home. This week, HCPS is working on plans to ensure the continuity of learning for all students in the event of an extended closure.

At the middle and high school levels, even though schools remain open, students who have HCPS-issued laptops should make sure their laptop is fully charged. Students should also bring their laptop home at the conclusion of each school day, and have access to their charger at all times.

Keep your child home when sick

HCPS schools and offices remain open. If your child has symptoms of illness that would prevent participation at school, then please keep your child at home and call the school to report that your child is sick. Returning to school too soon may delay recovery from illness and may potentially expose others.

Fever: Children should not be in school if they have a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and should stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without medication. During influenza season, children with a fever and other flu-like symptoms may be asked to stay home longer.

Vomiting and diarrhea: Children should not attend school if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. Children are asked to stay home until 24 hours after the last time they vomited or had diarrhea.

As this health concern evolves, HCPS will continue to work with our regional partners, including the Henrico Health Department and the Virginia Department of Health, to look at proactive measures that will keep students and staff members safe.

Thank you for reading, and we will continue to keep you updated.

Amy E. Cashwell, Ed. D.

Superintendent