For the start of the 2021-22 school year, GDS is prioritizing virtual or outdoor assemblies in the LMS while COVID cases in the region are high. In the high school, assemblies may take place indoors when masked and when a minimum of 3' distancing is possible between students. For the start of the school year, high school students will meet either by class or by advisory for assemblies, rather than as an entire high school.

GDS will follow the DCSAA guidelines for athletics practices and competition as well as any ISL or MAC rules.

Our auxiliary programs will return to normal programming following the protocols and prevention measures named elsewhere.

We will follow many of the National Federation of State and High School Associations guidelines on performing arts. Read more.

Buses will return to full capacity and ridership (meaning less than 3' distancing between students). Masks will be required and windows will remain open except during extreme weather.

We continue to emphasize distancing during lunch and snack, with a goal of 6' between students when masks are off. Students may eat in classrooms or hallways to allow adequate spacing. 

When we can, we are encouraging 3’ of distancing, and we will strive to maintain distancing of 6’ where possible for lunch and snack as that is a high-risk time. We are not formally cohorting by class(es) this school year.

Limited local field trips will be allowed this year depending on case rates. Outdoor locations and locations involving extremely limited interaction with those outside of the school will be prioritized.

Our regular transportation agreements with the neighborhood are in effect and students in 2nd-12th grade must arrive via carpool, transit, bike, or foot unless provided with a distance exemption. With questions, email improvemycommute@gds.org.

Currently we will not be having guests on campus, indoors. We ask all visitors participating in on-campus events (games, outdoor gatherings, etc.) to be vaccinated. Read more »

Masks are required indoors and outdoors, except while eating, drinking, or sleeping. Read more »

Limited high school overnight trips will be permitted within the DMV. Outdoor locations with sufficient distancing, strong COVID-19 protocols, and limited interaction with those outside of the school will be prioritized. Student vaccination status will be a factor in decision-making.

We remind individuals to take personal responsibility and remain home if experiencing any illness or symptoms of COVID-19 via a weekly reminder notification.

GDS is currently requiring that all unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals in our community participate in weekly testing and that vaccinated students test biweekly. Read more »

We are not requiring individuals to quarantine or test following travel. We do ask members of our community to mask when traveling and follow good safety protocols. Read more »

We will require vaccination for all eligible community members within 3 months of eligibility or by October 15 for those who are 12 years old or older. Individuals should upload vaccination cards into Magnus. You may request a medical or religious exemption for truly held religious belief. Remaining unvaccinated may impact your child's programmatic experience. Read more »

Stay home if you have new or unexplained symptoms, have been instructed to quarantine, or are awaiting the result of a COVID-19 test because of symptoms. Read more »