Dear HCPS Families, Faculty, and Staff:
Earlier today, public officials from Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield, Goochland, and the City of Richmond declared a local state of emergency in response to COVID-19. One of the most important recommendations made by officials is to avoid all events where attendance is expected to be 250 people and greater to help contain and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 within our community. In response to this new development and related guidance, we are announcing the following decision:
Students: Hanover County Public Schools will be closed for students March 16-27. We will continue to reassess our decision to determine if any further closures are necessary beyond March 27.
Teachers and Staff: Specific and more detailed guidance is forthcoming.
Afterschool/extracurricular and weekend activities: Effective immediately, all school and HCPS facility use are canceled through March 27.
We understand this is a significant disruption to your daily lives, and we do not make these decisions lightly. We believe this is the best decision possible to help protect the health and safety of our students, families, staff, and community. We continue to ask for your patience, understanding, and support as we navigate this difficult and unprecedented situation in our community and country.
In the meantime, we continue to work hard at all levels to help provide support to our students and families during the closure. In the coming days, we will communicate further details about our plan to provide students with instructional materials, as well as other resources and supports.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our efforts to help keep our students and staff healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Gill
Superintendent of Schools