(This communication was shared with families via ConnectEd on 2/18/21 at 9:00am.)
ATTACHMENT/LINK: Season 2 (Fall) Parent Communicaton
Dear Monticello family,
In these uncertain times, we all want to return to our normal activities. For many of our students and families, Virginia High School League (VHSL) athletics are certainly one of those activities. However, in order to offer VHSL athletics programs, Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) must follow the provisions outlined by our local health officials, the Governor’s office, and the VHSL. To do so for the upcoming Season 2 (Fall) season, the attached guidelines have been developed. The attachment includes detailed information on schedules, live streaming, transportation, spectator limits, digital/contactless tickets and more. This communication is also being shared on our athletics website at www.GoMonticello.org.
The VHSL has released the guiding document, “2020-2021 Guidelines for Return to Participation.” This document establishes adjustments allowed for teams to conduct VHSL athletics and activities. It includes input from the Virginia Department of Health, the VHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, and a number of sport-specific national organizations. Currently, we are planning to operate Season 2 (Fall) events based on attendance mandates per the Governor’s Executive Order #72.
While we have encouraged all students who wish to participate to join a team in their area of interest, we understand that to some student and families, the season – this school year – is not worth the health risks. I assure families in this situation that your decisions are respected. For underclass students, we look forward to your rejoining our VHSL athletics and activities programs for the outdoor Spring season beginning in mid-April, or for the 2021-22 school year.
I understand that some parents may have questions and/or concerns regarding your student’s participation in VHSL athletics and activities. To offer any answers I am able, I will be holding “Coffee With the AD – an Athletics Town Hall” on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 6:00-7:00pm on Zoom. I plan to share a few lessons learned from our Winter season, and discuss the upcoming Fall season’s guidelines. I will remain online the full hour, and answer any questions regarding COVID-19 guidelines, mitigation strategies, digital tickets, or our Athletic Department in general. The Zoom link will be emailed directly to all parents who have completed an online registration form for ANY sport/activity for this school year at www.GoMonticello.org, click ‘REGISTRATION’. All parents who have registered their student(s) by next Tuesday morning (2/23) will receive the link directly. Anyone else wishing to join may request the link by sending me an email.
Changes to the public health situation may necessitate changes to the attached guidelines. Thank you for helping us provide a safe and healthy environment for all spectators, student-athletes, coaches and staff for our Monticello athletics events.
Regards,
Matthew Pearman, Sr.
Director of VHSL Athletics & Activities
Monticello High School
ATTACHMENT/LINK: Season 2 (Fall) Parent Communicaton