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Are school HVAC systems being inspected and repaired in all school buildings to ensure proper air quality and filtration?

Air quality is critical for the health of those who occupy a school building. DCPS is currently working with the Department of General Services (DGS) to ensure our HVAC systems are up to code for in-person learning in a school building.

The purpose of HVAC enhancements is to ensure that a greater volume of fresh air enters our school buildings and that we have increased filtration. This goes above and beyond normal operations. The goal of this effort is to reduce both in-room and room-to-room transmission within school buildings. To accomplish this, schools will have either have increased fresh air through an existing Direct Outside Air System (DOAS) and installation of MERV-13/MERV-14 filters or have High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters placed in learning areas. All DCPS schools will receive an HVAC enhancement and these improvements align with The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations.

Early Childhood (PK3-PK4)Elementary (K-5)Secondary (6-12)Operations

Related question:

How will virtual learning look different in School Year 2020-2021 than in Spring 2020?

In virtual learning, students will feel loved by their school community, challenged by a joyful and rigorous curriculum, and prepared to take the next steps in their learning. We spent the spring and summer working with over 200 teachers and staff to transfer our curriculum to an online learning management system, which will allow for a more user-friendly, efficient and organized approach to virtual learning.

What will a student’s schedule look like in the virtual setting?

Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4 (PK3 and PK4): Short, small bursts of learning and individual learning activities are most effective for our youngest learners. Therefore, the PK3 and PK4 structure of the day will include lessons in small groups focusing on developing a love of learning, and individualized lessons that families can also join. The PK3 and PK4 schedule will also include asynchronous (watch videos on your own at any time) lessons for art, music and other skills so that families can access lessons when it works for their children. PK3 and PK4 students will have live learning and asynchronous lessons for an average total of about 2-3 hours per day.

What will my child need to be successful in virtual learning?

All students will need the following items for successful virtual learning: