Washington, DC, postpones schools returning to in-person learning

Washington, D.C., on Monday, announced that the District’s public schools will delay the partial return of in-person classes, which had been set for next week.

“While DCPS planned to offer in-person learning at the start of Term 2 for select elementary school students, this timeline will need to be adjusted,” D.C. Public Schools said Monday through its Twitter account. “This means all students in grades PK-12 will now begin Term 2 on Monday, November 9 with learning at home.”

While DCPS planned to offer in-person learning at the start of Term 2 for select elementary school students, this timeline will need to be adjusted. This means all students in grades PK-12 will now begin Term 2 on Monday, November 9 with learning at home.

— DC Public Schools (@dcpublicschools) November 2, 2020

This week’s calendar will not shift as previously announced. We apologize for any inconvenience.

11/2: Instruction

11/3: Election Day; no school for students & teachers

11/4: Instruction

11/5: Instruction

11/6: Records & PD Day for teachers; no school for students

— DC Public Schools (@dcpublicschools) November 2, 2020

Public Schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee also announced the delay in a letter.

“Elementary school principals will continue leading safety walkthroughs this week with members of their community to show first-hand how buildings are ready to welcome back students and staff,” he said.

The announcement comes the same day the Washington Teachers’ Union called on members to call in sick Monday amid a stalemate in negotiations between the union and the chancellor’s office, The Washington Post reported.

“We are living in turbulent times and teachers are experiencing a great amount of fear and anxiety around the national elections as well as the District’s Return to School Plan,” union President Elizabeth Davis wrote in an email to teachers, according to the newspaper. “While one day off may not by itself cure burnout, a mental health day can provide you with a much-needed and well-deserved break.”

The city previously announced it would start the school year virtually, with online classes set to run Aug. 31-Nov. 6.