HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- As parents and students adjust to an unscheduled two-week break from school courtesy of COVID-19, Henrico Schools spokesperson Andy Jenks answered some Frequently Asked Questions he's heard in the community.
My child gets free or reduced-price meals. Will breakfast and lunches still be available?
We know that, for many of our students, the meals provided at our schools are a crucial part of their daily nutrition. Additional plans are being made to address this vital need across the Henrico community. We are planning to provide “grab and go” food service soon. We will make a separate, larger announcement when that information is ready.
What if my student does not have access to a computer or the internet during this closure, or experiences issues with the school-issued laptop?
We are working with middle and high schools to determine students who may be in need of wifi “hot spots”. Additionally, we are working on setting up traveling “HelpDesk” sites. More information will be provided when it is available.
What about Spring Break?
Spring Break will not be affected and will take place as scheduled, from April 6-10.
Will this affect the length of the school year?
At this time, there are no considerations about lengthening the school year.
On Friday, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered all public schools (K-12) closed in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“We are taking this action to keep Virginians as safe and healthy as possible, and to minimize exposure to COVID-19,” said Governor Northam. “I recognize this will pose a hardship on many families, but closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities, it will help slow the spread of this virus. This is a fluid and fast-changing situation. We will do everything possible to ensure that students who rely on school nutrition programs continue to have access to meals, and that the disruption to academics is as minimal as possible.”
Schools will close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum.