Today I attended my son Aaron’s promotion from elementary school. Harris, my older son, will start ninth grade next year without any ceremony to mark his move from middle school to high school. And my wife Karen waved goodbye sadly to her third graders who did not want to hang up the line because they missed their friends and their teachers.
As our students move onto their next grades or graduate, I think a lot about how much they’ve lost. Prom and graduation. Final farewells to friends before heading to jobs or college. I look back on these memories with fondness, and it’s deeply unsettling to realize that for so many of our young people, these milestones will always be tinged with melancholy.
Our new graduates step into an adulthood filled with greater uncertainty than graduates of any period in recent history. These days I think a lot about the community, Commonwealth, and Country we need to build for them to ensure they’re not left behind. Our politics have not been built to serve the young and have often served them poorly. Now, more than ever, our young people need advocates who hear them and want to fight for them. As our General Assembly reconvenes this summer to pass our budget, one thing I’ll be looking at closely is ensuring our budget serves Virginians of every age and, particularly, helps build a future in which our young people know they and their interests have a seat at the table. I welcome the thoughts of all, particularly our young constituents, on how we ensure our budget and our laws address the needs of young Virginians.
Phase Two of Forward Virginia
Today, Northern Virginia begins Phase 2 of Virginia’s reopening. Under Phase 2, certain non-essential businesses like restaurants, gyms, and salons can expand their capacity. The general guidelines for “safer at home” will continue, including physical distancing, continued teleworking, and face-coverings recommendations & requirements. Wearing a face covering is about keeping one another safe. I do it every time I go out, and I hope others will join me. There is additional guidance available on the information listed below, and please reach out should you have specific questions.
Guidelines
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Non-essential retail businesses remain open at 50% capacity
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Restaurants and beverage services are open for indoor and outdoor seating at 50% capacity
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Low-contact recreation and entertainment indoor and outdoor venues may open; high contact venues will remain closed
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Fitness and exercise centers will open at 30% capacity
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Personal grooming services will be open by appointment only, with strict social distancing enforced, and face coverings required
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Certain recreation venues (incl. museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert & sporting venues) without shared equipment may reopen with restrictions
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Beaches and state parks will be open
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Private campgrounds will be open
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Overnight summer camps will remain closed
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Indoor and outdoor pools may reopen for lap swimming, exercise, diving, and instruction
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Gatherings are limited to 50 people
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Child Care is open to all working families
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Places of worship may continue to hold drive-in services – indoor services may be held at 50% capacity
Schools’ Reopening Plan: 2020-2021
Virginia schools will be allowed to reopen as long as the state continues to slow the spread of COVID-19. Instruction will look different—likely a mixture of in-person and remote learning, however, and will be “phased in” pursuant to the following guidance. We will be working with the Governor’s team and local officials to get greater clarity on what exactly school will look like in the next year.
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Phase 1: Remote learning is the primary method of instruction, with special education and child care for working families held in schools.
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Phase 2: Most schools can enter Phase 2 now. Schools may offer instruction for preschoolers through 3rd graders, English language learners, and students with disabilities. Summer camps in school buildings also are allowed. Strict social distancing measures will be enforced, such as one child per seat on school buses and gatherings limited to 50 people. For outdoor sports, 10 feet of physical distance should be maintained between students and spectators, and shared items, such as balls, must be disinfected between uses.
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Phase 3: All students are allowed to receive in-person instruction, with strict social distancing measures in place. This may require alternative schedules and remote learning. Desks and workspaces should be spaced 6 feet apart. There will be daily health screenings. Staff will wear face coverings where social distancing cannot be maintained.
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Beyond Phase 3: School systems will resume “new normal” operations under future guidance. In every phase, schools are required to follow CDC guidance for schools. Remote learning and teleworking options should be available for students and staff who are at a higher risk of severe illness. Students are encouraged to wear face coverings.
Favorites of the 40th
Known for their delectable cupcakes, Inspired Cravings is a Black-owned, vegan bakery and café, specializing in dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free desserts and pastries. Opened on December 7th, Inspired Cravings offers delicious cupcakes for everyone, including those with tree nut, dairy, egg, and soy allergies.
These cupcakes are baked with inspiration and gratitude. In these challenging times, Inspired Cravings hopes that their cupcakes including Harmony (vanilla sprinkle), Energy (chocolate espresso), Trust (double chocolate raspberry), and Love (strawberry swirl), will encourage
customers to “eat their inspirations and greatness!”
Inspired Cravings is located in Gainesville and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 12-4pm. Socially distanced curb-side pickup is available for pre-orders which can be placed online or by telephone order. As a newly-launched business, Inspired Cravings especially appreciates the community’s support during these difficult times.
As always, please let me know if there is anything my office can do to help you. I am here to listen and to advocate for you in Richmond and in our community.
Warm Regards,
Dan