D.C. education officials announced Sunday that three public schools will transition to virtual learning through the start of winter break due to surging COVID-19 cases. Students at McKinley Tech High School, Turner Elementary School and Bard High School Early College DC will learn virtually this week, D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said, due to an increased number of cases impacting operations. “Multiple positive cases of COVID-19 at school were reported in recent days that impacted school operations,” Ferebee said, “resulting in the temporary shift to virtual instruction through December 22.”
Update: Due to the impact of COVID-19 on school operations, Bard High School Early College DC will also learn virtually this week. We remain in close coordination with public health authorities and school leaders, and are closely following the impacts at all of our schools.
— Chancellor Ferebee (@DCPSChancellor) December 20, 2021
The school system also said that it plans to continue prioritizing the health and well-being of its community members, and made the decision to go virtual after consultation with District health officials. On Thursday, Ferebee released a message in which he recognized the impact of increased positive COVID cases. He acknowledged they are still implementing health and safety measures, including social distancing and masking. “I want to assure our community that we remain in constant communication with public health authorities and impacted schools,” Ferebee said, “and will determine the appropriate next steps for each school based on the operational impacts and health guidance.” WTOP’s Michelle Basch contributed to this report.
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