September 8, 2022

Dear DCYOP Families,  

We are excited for the first day of classes and rehearsals on September 17th! The safety of students, parents, faculty, and staff remains our top priority and so we write to you today to share some updates on our policies and procedures. We hope that our collective attention to safety will allow our students to continue to safely make music together.  

DCYOP operates out of a DC Public Schools facility and follows all health policies issued by DCPS and the DC government. The DCPS health policies for the 2022-2023 school year can be found here https://dcpsstrong.com/health/ 

What do these policies mean for DCYOP? 

  • Masks are optional, and we will foster an environment where the choice to wear a mask is respected. We will provide specialized masks for wind students who decide to wear masks.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is required for students ages 12 and older, and it is highly encouraged for all students. Staff and faculty are required to be vaccinated.
  • Students ages 12+ should submit their COVID-19 vaccination card here: https://form.jotform.com/222434923935156/
  • We encourage students to take a COVID-19 test before the first day of classes.
  • We will provide notifications to students and staff in a classroom with a positive individual. 
  • Families should screen their children for symptoms at home. DCYOP will not conduct weekly health screenings upon arrival.
  • PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD STAY HOME IF THEY HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS.
  • We will follow DCPS policy for the return of students who test positive to the program. Please review the scenarios in the policy linked above, but generally: Students can return to DCYOP beginning on day 6, IF they have been fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication and symptoms are improving. Students must wear a mask while at the program until day 10 from their positive test result or when symptoms began, whichever is earlier.

Additionally, DCPS does not permit parents/guardians into buildings during arrival and dismissal, and community members and families are not permitted into school buildings without an appointment. The only parents allowed into the building during DCYOP hours are parent participants in beginner classes (Level A and Continuing Level A), who must provide proof of vaccination. 

DCPS may change their policies, and DCYOP may change ours to align or expand on them, so we will keep you posted should that happen.  Thank you for your continued flexibility and for observing these requirements. 

With thanks,

The DCYOP Team

For our previous update from January 28, 2022, please click here.

For our previous update from September 30, 2021, please click here.

For our previous update from September 15, 2021, please click here.

For our previous update from March 9, 2021, please click here.

For our previous update from July 22, 2020 please click here.

For our previous update from April 17, 2020 please click here.

For our previous update from March 30, 2020 please click here.