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Federal funding (ESSER) has been instrumental for Charlottesville City School as we have navigated the pandemic and the recovery.
Scroll down this page to learn more about how we have supported safe in-person instruction and continuity of services.

new safety routines doc image

Click image to review new safety routines.

CCS Health Screening poster

Click to find printable PDF.

What to do in common COVID situations doc image

Click image to go to Google doc “What to do in common COVID situations,” a guide for families and staff.

2022-23 Information

This page gives basic information related to COVID and everyday topics for the 22-23 school year. If you have additional questions, please contact your school.

Key Ideas

  • Masking for students is recommended when community transmission rates are at medium or high (as they have been throughout the summer). Indoor masking for staff amd visitors is required.
  • Free, optional, weekly school-based COVID testing: Learn more here.
  • New “return to school” protocols for COVID symptoms and diagnoses.
    • Symptoms: If your student (regardless of vaccination status) is showing symptoms, please keep them home. If they are displaying COVID symptoms, they can return when symptoms such as fever or vomiting have resolved and either (a) they have
      been seen by a healthcare provider, (b) they have proof of a negative PCR COVID test, or (c) they have proof of 2 negative rapid COVID tests taken at least 24 hours apart. We recommend that people should mask until symptoms resolve.
    • Positive COVID cases: students or staff can return to school on day 6 if symptoms have resolved and they agree to wear a mask for days 6-10. (The day symptoms appear is Day 0.)
  • New quarantine guidance:  The CDC no longer recommends quarantine in school settings for asymptomatic people. (Symptomatic people should stay home.) Along with our optional free, weekly, in-school PCR testing, we offer free, proctored rapid tests for people who wish to follow test-to-stay guidelines. The current Blue Ridge Health District recommendation is to get tested 3–5 days after exposure.
  • New reporting practices: We will no longer do daily school-wide notifications about a routine diagnosis. In the elementary schools, we will send classroom-level messages about diagnoses. Families and staff can check the 22-23 CCS data dashboard to see any daily diagnoses at their school. If there is a significant outbreak or other information that the school community needs to know, the principal will make a school-wide announcement.

Translation Traducción ترجمة Tafsiri अनुवाद ترجمه

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  • Translators and interpreters are available. Our web site can be translated with Google. Call or email your school for help. You can also text 434-953-1802.
  • Si tiene preguntas acerca de las escuelas de Charlottesville, llame a nuestra línea telefónica en español al 434-245-2548. Un profesor de español le devolverá la llamada.

Local Health Data Using CDC Framework

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We have been working with the state and local health experts to follow local COVID-19 data. See the charts and spreadsheets below for Charlottesville City Schools confirmed cases in 20-21,  21-22, and 22-23. Note that we report cases even if the staff member or student was remote or not present at school during the period of contagion.

 

 

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As part of its data metrics, the CDC recommends a number of  mitigation strategies, from masking to ventilation to school-based COVID testing. We will show the  complete list below and give an update.

  • Core Mitigation Measures to Support School Openings (CDC)

    1. Staying Up to Date on Vaccinations: We encourage vaccination of all school community members and have held school-based clinics.  The School Board has required staff to be vaccinated.
    2. Staying Home When Sick: We encourage families to follow the rule of thumb, “If in doubt, sit it out.” See guidelines on this page for when students can return to school after displaying COVID symptoms. To encourage staff members to stay home when sick, we augment our staff sick leave with 7 days of COVID leave.
    3. Ventilation: The City is following ASHRAE recommendations to use the highest MERV-rated filters possible for all equipment, coupled with increasing ventilation.  All systems are set for maximum outdoor air at normal occupancy levels.  Any space that cannot use a MERV 13 or 14 filter will be equipped with a portable air cleaner. As weather permits, we will keep windows open. Going above and beyond standard mitigation for K-12 and universities, the City engaged an engineer from Tri-Dim to consult on the best course of action for each building/space and installed UV-C lights and/or bipolar ionization equipment  according to recommendations.
    4. Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:  Schools have hand sanitizer available at key locations.  Schools will teach and reinforce good hygiene practices such as handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes.  
    5. Cleaning and disinfection: All CCS cleaning products are on the EPA list of disinfectants for COVID-19. Custodians have been equipped and trained with foggers and electrostatic sprayers to support more rapid and effective disinfection of surfaces and entire spaces. Classrooms are equipped with spray bottles with the all-purpose disinfectant cleaner and microfiber cloths to readily address high-touch services such as desktops and door knobs.  

    ​​​​​​​Other CDC-Recommended Strategies for When Community Transmission Rates are High

    1. Masks and Face Coverings: As of March 1, 2022, a new state law requires masks to be optional for students in our schools. We recommend that students wear masks when community transmission rates are medium or high. Staff and visitors will still be required to wear masks.   Masks for children and adults are available in our schools.
    2. Testing: We are participating in a state program for regular COVID testing throughout this school year as an additional strategy to promote safety.  As part of the same state program, we offer rapid diagnostic testing for individuals as needed. To sign up or learn more information, click here.
    3. Management of Cases and Exposures: We will follow all guidelines about managing cases, particularly when there is evidence of an outbreak or school spread. Note that quarantine is no longer recommended in school settings.
    4. Responding to Outbreaks: We will work closely with the Blue Ridge Health District if we have a suspected outbreak (three or more connected cases).
    5. Considerations for High-Risk Activities: We will follow state and VHSL guidance for participation in high-risck activities such as contact sports or choirs. Return to these activities following a COVID diagnosis will require the full 10 days of isolation (the day symptoms start is day 0).

    Other Strategies:

    • Training:  Staff and students will need to be trained on appropriate procedures and mitigation strategies. We will use training videos prior to returning to in-person instruction. Custodial staff received special training. Additional training was also required for nursing staff as well as SPED staff who work with students to assist with medical or personal care.
    • Protocols:  We have assembled policies and protocols to guide our return to in-person instruction. All protocols are subject to change based on public health expertise and emerging best practices.
    • Meals: While students will need to go to the cafeteria to pick up meals, students will continue to eat outside or in classrooms to the greatest degree possible.
    • Outdoor Spaces: We hope to use our outdoor spaces as much as possible, particularly for classes such as gym or choir.  Classes may also go outside for lunch or suitable instruction/class meetings.
  • Daily Health Screening Questr for Students

    • If your students have any COVID symptoms, they should stay home. In order to return to school,  your child will need one of the following: (a) a note from the healthcare provider, (b) a negative PCR test,  or (c) 2 negative rapid tests taken at least 24 hours apart. We recommend that people should mask until symptoms resolve.
    • After a COVID diagnosis, students can return to school on Day 6 if symptoms have resolved and if they agree to mask days 6-10. (The day symptoms started is Day 0.)
    • If in doubt, sit it out!
    • For activities such as choir or close-contact sports, the Virginia Department of Health recommends that individuals refrain from participating in these activities until 10 days have passed.
    • Questions? Refer to our COVID situations guide or call your school.
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    The latest guidance says that high-quality masking over the mouth and nose is important. We continue that students wear masks when our community transmission rate is at medium or high, though as of March 1, 2022, masks are optional for students per state law.  Staff and visitors are still required to wear masks when indoors.

    • For some people, that might mean wearing one KN95 (no valves)
    • For others, that might mean double-masking with a paper mask and a cloth mask 
    • Others may wear a multiple-layered cloth mask
    • There is no need to wear 2 paper masks
    • A nose piece to ensure a tight fit is recommended
    • As always, we will have masks at school for those who need them, including KN95s for children and adults
    • Click here to access CCS COVID-19 Protocols document

    Athletics and Extra-Curricular Activities:

    Clubs and athletic activities are continuing.

    • CHS will follow Virginia High School League (VHSL) and VDOE guidelines for sports and activities. For further updates, visit gocville.org.
    • For activities such as choir or close-contact sports, the Virginia Department of Health recommends that individuals refrain from participating in these activities until 10 days have passed. (The day symptoms start is Day 0.)
    • All other clubs and extracurricular activities will need to follow CCS guidelines and gain building-level approval to be sure that activities are in compliance.
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    • We all depend on each other to reduce risk and promote safety.
    • Find info below about daily screening and what to do in common COVID situations.  Click “More Information” to find more about health protocols.
    • Please check with your healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. Click here for area walk-in clinics and other information.
    • And to learn more about the state’s new (non-COVID) vaccination requirements for students in kindergarten, grade 7, and grade 12, click here. Be sure to submit documentation to your school as soon as possible.
    • Questions about your child’s vaccines? Please check with your healthcare provider or call the school.
  • Will schools inform families of a positive case in the classroom or school?

    • We will no longer do daily school-wide notifications about a routine diagnosis. In the elementary schools, we will send classroom-level messages about diagnoses. Families and staff can check the 22-23 CCS data dashboard to see any daily diagnoses at their school. If there is a significant outbreak or other information that the school community needs to know, the principal will make a school-wide announcement.
  • What is the policy? When do students/staff need to wear them?

    • Masks are optional for students in most situations, although we recommend wearing them when our community transmission rates are at medium or high (as they’ve been this summer.) Staff and visitors will still be required to wear masks when indoors.

    Are masks available free for staff and students? 

    • Yes! Masks in sizes for children and adults are available each week in our schools.

    What if a staff member can’t wear a mask?

    • For individuals with a documented health condition or disabilities, CCS will identify solutions on a case-by-case basis.
  • How will you do daily health screening?

    • Everyone entering a building, including students and staff, must engage in a daily health screen before leaving home for school to make sure they are not displaying COVID symptoms.

    Will There be COVID-19 Testing for Staff or Students?

    • We are  participating in a state program for optional free, weekly COVID testing throughout this school year as an additional strategy to promote safety.  As part of the same state program, we offer rapid diagnostic testing for individuals as needed.  And we offer free, proctored rapid tests for people who wish to follow Test to Stay protocols after exposure. To sign up or learn more information, click here.
  • Click here to go to Google doc “What to do in common COVID situations,” a guide for families and staff

    What if a student develops COVID-19 symptoms at home?

    • Keep the symptomatic child home, report the absence, and seek testing or consult with your primary care physician. Any asymptomatic people can continue to attend school (masking is recommended). If the symptoms are typical for your child, be sure to tell your health care provider. Keep in mind, not everyone who displays COVID-19 symptoms has or will contract the virus.

    What if a student develops symptoms at school?

    • Students who develop symptoms at school will be immediately directed to a designated isolation space in the school until they can safely leave or be picked up to go home. Prompt pick-up of a sick child (within an hour) is part of the safety agreement that parents/guardians agree to follow to support COVID safety.
    • Depending on the situation, the individual’s primary care provider may recommend testing for COVID-19 or give other guidance. Individuals who test positive will remain in isolation; any asymptomatic siblings can continue to go to school.  Keep your school updated.

    Will students have to show a negative COVID test to return to school?

    • Not if they are seen by their healthcare provider. There are many reasons that someone may show symptoms and/or an elevated temperature above 100.0F. But if a student displays COVID-19 symptoms, they should tested and/or check with their healthcare provider or the school nurse for guidance (and a note). If a rapid COVID test is used, the child needs 2 done at least 24 hours apart. Masking is recommended until symptoms resolve.

    What if a student is diagnosed with COVID-19?

    • Any student required to isolate at home due to illness from COVID-19 will be required to isolate for 10 days (if not masked) or for 5 days if symptoms have resolved and if the child will wear a mask for days 6-10.

    What if a student  is exposed to COVID-19 (including at home)?

    • The CDC no longer recommends quarantine, but we offer free, proctored rapid tests if people wish to follow test-to-stay protocols. The current recommendation is to test 3-5 days after exposure.

    What will we be told if a student or staff member becomes sick?

    • We will no longer do daily school-wide notifications about a routine diagnosis. In the elementary schools, we will send classroom-level messages about diagnoses. Families and staff can check the 22-23 CCS data dashboard to see any daily diagnoses at their school. If there is a significant outbreak or other information that the school community needs to know, the principal will make a school-wide announcement.

    Is there a chance that a class or school would need to revert to online-only instruction?

    • We will continue to work closely with the local health department. As diagnosed cases arise, we will cooperate with the health department on contact tracing or other recommendations. Public health experts are very clear that each case is unique and that they will respond accordingly.

Volunteers/Visitors

  • Volunteers and visitors are allowed with approval and if they agree to mask while indoors.

Use of Federal ESSER Funds

The purpose of ESSER III funds is to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools and address the impacts of COVID-19 on the nation’s students by addressing students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs.  The December 1, 2022 School Board presentation provides the latest information regarding how these funds are used, and the spend-down status for all federal grants awarded to address the pandemic.

 

Public Input on the Plans for Safe In-Person Instruction & Continuity of Services for 2022-23

Submit feedback to the Board at any time by emailing  schoolboard@charlottesvilleschools.org or texting 434-953-1802.  You can also comment  at any regular School Board meeting via Zoom (or go to CHS Media Center), first Thursday of the month, 5pm.

 

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  • ¿Tiene preguntas? ¿Necesita información?
  • ¡Puede ponerse en contacto con las escuelas de Charlottesville en español!
  • Usted también puede conocer información importante sobre la educación de su hijo/hija.
  • Sólo tiene que llamar al número (434) 245-2548
  • Need other formats or assistance? Want to comment or make a suggestion? Text 434-953-1802.

Students Remaining in Virtual Virginia (Online) Instruction

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  • This page was designed to help students attending school in person. For those students who are attending Virtual Virginia, you can learn more here.  Need meal service for your virtual student? For virtual (or quarantined) students, complete this form to request a next-day pick-up meal at the school nearest you.