By order of the Governor of Virginia, all Prince William County Public Schools will remain closed to students through the end of the 2019-2020 school year (June 2020), due to the health concerns caused by COVID-19 (coronavirus). 

The state will waive the days missed and will not require the days missed be made up.

Guidance is expected to come from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) later this week regarding graduation requirements, credits, and the impact of this decision on learning, including special education. The stateis in the process of waiving Standards of Learning (SOL) this year. Once the waiver is received, we will provide an update. PWCS is also waiting on further guidance on other standard assessments and school accreditation. 

PWCS will review this guidance, as well as information from the federal Department of Education, to determine the impact to PWCS and necessary changes. PWCS will share additional information on these topics, and other questions in the coming days, as soon as possible.  

We know students, staff, and parents will have many questions and we thank you for your patience as we adjust to these changes as rapidly as possible.  

VHSL will meet with VHSL Crisis Management Team to discuss future of spring sports and academic activities

 CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Due to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declaring all schools in the Commonwealth closed for the remainder of year in response to the COVID-19 outbreak all VHSL spring sports and activities are cancelled.  The VHSL will hold a conference call Tuesday morning with its VHSL Management Crisis team to discuss all options relating to spring sports and academic activities following the current academic year and into the summer.  The VHSL will announce a decision on Tuesday following the meeting.

“We need to support our Governor and State Superintendent.  These actions were taken to protect Virginians, keep them safe and healthy and to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun.   

“Our Crisis Management team is made up excellent school representatives and has been vital in all deliberations regarding COVID-19. In every situation, every decision we make has been, and will be, in the best interest of public health, including that of, most importantly, our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and families.”

As a reminder and for the safety and health of all staff, students, and families, the following is effective as of March 20, 2020:

1. No students are allowed inside any PWCS building until further notice. 
2. No parents, guardians, or visitors are allowed inside any PWCS building until further notice.
3. No instructional staff are allowed inside any PWCS building until further notice.
4. Limited numbers of support staff and/or administrators may be asked to enter buildings to perform essential business functions (such as collecting bills, food service distribution, building or IT infrastructure repairs or maintenance, safety or security monitoring) under the following conditions:
   1. Prior to visiting a building, the appropriate Associate Superintendent must be informed by the Director/Principal and concur to the purpose and timing of the visit.
   2. Visits must be limited in frequency, duration, and number of staff, and confined to a limited space within the building (such as a specific office to collect mail).
   3. Staff must practice social distancing while inside building. 
   4. If social distancing cannot be followed due to the task (such as food preparation, building repair, etc.) then staff should practice proper hygiene protocols and inform supervisor if sick.  
   5. The appropriate supervisor must be informed when the building has been vacated.  
5. Only the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent may make exceptions to this protocol until further notice.