Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) values the benefits of all extracurricular activities in supporting the physical and social-emotional wellbeing of students. Athletics, visual and performing arts, and social and academic clubs complement and strengthen academic studies and enrich the learning experience.

At this time, due to several factors, WCPS is not moving forward with the option to resume competitive fall sports on October 7, 2020. However, voluntary in-person conditioning and skills-based activities will continue. We encourage students to participate in these opportunities to prepare for potential competition and to realize the benefits of these team activities.

If and when WCPS is able to move to Stage 3 of the Return to Learn Plan, we will re-evaluate options to resume the competitive fall athletics season. WCPS previously announced Stage 3 of the Return to Learn Plan will NOT occur before October 12, 2020. An official start date has not been identified. 

The health and safety of WCPS students, staff, and the greater Washington County community remains our top priority. One factor in considering fall sports is based on our community health metrics. In the last seven days, Washington County has averaged 13.34 positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. This statistic is very different from that of our neighboring counties that may or may not choose the October 7 option for fall sports.

We understand this announcement is disappointing to our athletes, coaches, families, and our learning community. WCPS is committed to providing opportunities for our teams to practice and hopefully compete in three athletic seasons during the 2020-2021 school year. We will continue to advocate to the State for flexibility as the COVID-19 pandemic affects each community differently. 

We must prevent the spread of COVID-19 to safely return students to schools and resume school activities. Everyone has a role in reducing the prevalence of the virus in Washington County. WCPS reminds our community to take the appropriate precautions, including but not limited to:

• Wear a face covering in public places and where you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from others.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Avoid large group gatherings.
• If you or your child is sick, please stay home.