Fredericksburg Schools Expand In-Person Learning This Week

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Students in the City of Fredericksburg can return to in-person learning for four days per week, starting this week. Students can also choose to attend two days of in-person learning and two days of synchronous distance learning.

The expanded in-person learning option comes after the school system announced their plan at a school board meeting earlier this month. The expansion is being implemented on a staggered at different schools to allow for adjustments in classrooms.

"Based on updated guidance, FCPS students who are currently participating in the hybrid learning model may choose to return to school four days a week," the school system said on their website. The CDC updated their guidelines for schools on April 5. The new recommendations outlined shorter social distancing requirements while still requiring masks whenever possible.

James Monroe High School began welcoming hybrid students for four days of in-person learning on Thursday, April 15. Other schools in the district will begin the four-day option in the coming weeks, after making adjustments to room assignments and furniture.

Lafayette Upper Elementary School will be the next to implement expanded in-person learning in Fredericksburg. Their students can return for four days of in-person beginning next week on Monday, April 19.

Walker-Grant Middle School will begin offering the expanded schedule on Monday, April 26. Hugh Mercer Elementary School will be the last to expand their in-person learning when their students return to classrooms for four days per week on Monday, May 3.

All students across the city will still participate in asynchronous learning on Wednesday, the school district said. This will allow distance learners to complete state assessments by appointment on Wednesdays.