September 25, 2020

Dear Stoddert Families,

This week’s update includes information about three important issues: immunization requirements, our upcoming virtual Coffee with the Principal, and in-person student gatherings.

Immunization Requirements
To protect the health and wellness of all students, District of Columbia law requires all students in the District to provide their schools with up-to-date immunization documentation or proof of medical or religious exemption to attend school in person. Within the first 20 days of school, all students must be up-to-date on all requirement immunizations. 

If a student has not received their immunizations and 20 school days have passed, they will not be allowed to return to in-person instruction or activities until they have received all required immunizations and submitted paperwork, or an approved medical or religious exemption to the school. Students may continue to attend school through distance learning while securing their immunizations, but parents should make plans now to ensure your student is up-to-date before in-person instruction resumes.

Coffee with the Principal
Our first virtual Coffee with the Principal will take place on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 9:15 a.m., following our weekly Town Hall event. Virtual invitations for Coffee with the Principal will be sent to you by your child’s teacher on Tuesday, September 29.

At each virtual Coffee with the Principal we’ll share announcements and updates with you, and we’ll do our best to address your concerns and questions. To help us be better prepared to address those concerns and questions, please email them advance to one of these email addresses:

• Donald.bryant@k12.dc.gov
• Ibis.villegas2@k12.dc.gov
• president@stoddert.org 

In-Person Student Gatherings
I’ve received questions from some parents and teachers asking if we can allow school-sponsored in-person student gatherings during this distance learning timeframe. Although we certainly understand the desire for in-person student gatherings, here are three reasons why the answer is NO:

1. We’re still in the midst of a pandemic. 
2. DCPS policy does not allow school-sponsored in-person student gatherings at the present time.
3. If a school-sponsored student gathering were held, and an attendee became infected as the result of attending that gathering, liability falls back on the district and the school, and ultimately on school personnel.

As always, thanks for your continued support.

Principal Bryant and Assistant Principal Villegas