We are excited to welcome our students back to school for in-person learning, and we eagerly await the arrival of Monday, August 16 – the first day of school!!!

During the summer break, we have been preparing our buildings for students’ return. As the first day of school gets closer and closer – it’s right around the corner! – I wanted to take this opportunity to 1) thank you for entrusting your children to us and 2) provide some reminders about how you can help us keep our schools as safe as possible for everyone.

We want to keep our students with us in-person the entire year, so we must continue to be vigilant about layering mitigation strategies:

• Wearing a mask over our nose and mouth whenever we are on buses and/or other school transportation and when inside school buildings and not actively eating or drinking;
• Maintaining a distance of at least three (3) feet, to the extent possible, from others;
• Practicing hand hygiene by thoroughly washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water; and
• Completing the At Home Health Screener – daily and before leaving home – and committing to staying at home when experiencing any symptoms. The questions will be included with the Back- to-School information you receive and they are posted on our division’s web page.

As a final reminder, before children can attend school, they must have all health immunizations and proof must be provided to the school. Immunizations are not the same as the COVID vaccine, but the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC do encourage all people who are eligible to get it.

We look forward to this being a great year. If you ever have concerns, questions, and/or positive feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me; my email address and phone number are below.

Sincerely,

Tameshia V. Grimes