COVID -19 continues to be treated like other endemic, communicable illnesses (Flu, Colds, Norovirus, etc). All viruses have new variants and strains, and COVID-19 will continue to evolve.  Communities will continue to see periodic rises in COVID-19, just as we see in other respiratory illnesses like the flu. FCCPS will continue to collaborate with the Fairfax County Health Department should there be a concern specific to the division and/or the local community. This is the same process used for all communicable health concerns. 

FCCPS follows the guidance of health officials for the monitoring of all illnesses. Two full-time Public Health Nurses are in place to support the school division. Additionally, each school health clinic is staffed by a School Health Aide. There is no individual reporting of cases or contact tracing requirements in place for COVID any longer, as it is treated like any other respiratory illness.  

Should there be a concern, regarding COVID-19, or any other disease, FCCPS School Health Aides will notify any staff member(s) or the parent/guardian of any student who is immunocompromised or at significant health risk based on their individual health needs, if known to the division. 

When there are multiple cases of COVID -19 or other illnesses found in a group, class, or team a notification will be sent to the impacted community and FCCPS will work with the Fairfax County Health Department to address the situation. This is the same procedure used for other types of communicable illnesses.

The best practices for preventing the spread of any respiratory illness include: 

• staying current on vaccines; 

• frequent handwashing; 

• covering sneezes/coughs with tissue; 

• and most importantly remaining home when symptomatic or not feeling well. 

Below you find guidance that you may find helpful.

Students, teachers, and staff who have symptoms of a respiratory virus, including COVID-19, can protect others by staying home when sick. Those who have been sick can return to school and child care when, for at least 24 hours, both of these are true: 

• Their symptoms are getting better overall, AND 

• They have not had a fever (and are not using a fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) 

When people who were sick begin returning to their normal activities, they must take added precautions for 5 more days to prevent spreading illness to others. These added precautions can include taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, mask-wearing, physical distancing, and/or testing to inform your actions to prevent spread to others.   

The health clinics of each school. are stocked with free COVID-19 test kits for staff, students, and families.

Learn more here: CDC Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When Sick 

FCCPS Public Health Nurses:

Laura Giles (gilesl@fccps.org)

Megan Toth (tothm@fccps.org) 

School Health Aides:

Jessie Thackrey Preschool–Brannon McLaughlin (mclaughlinb@fccps.org)

Mount Daniel Elementary School–Asia Jeter (jetera@fccps.org)

Oak Street Elementary School–Jonathan Freeman (freemanj@fccps.org)

Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School–Kelly Miceli (micelik@fccps.org) 

Meridian High School–Melinda Pasupulati (heathm@fccps.org)  

Vaccine Support/Locator:

https://www.vaccines.gov/ 

Please contact Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Education & Student Services (rsharp@fccps.org)  if you have any questions or need additional information.