The Washington, District of Columbia, government mandated students in city schools be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit proof of vaccination to come to class. .“We are excited to welcome our students, families, and staff back to school for this critically important school year,” said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser in a Thursday press release. .“A strong school year starts with a strong first day, and we are grateful to families for once again helping us ensure a safe and healthy return to school.” .The Coronavirus Immunization of School Students and Early Childhood Workers Amendment Act of 2021 requires Washington students 12 years old and up to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to come to class. .The release said the best place for children to take COVID-19 vaccines is at their family doctors offices. DC Health will be offering vaccine clinics across the city to allow unvaccinated children to take the shots. .“Our commitment at DC Public Schools is to foster a safe environment for our students to learn, grow and thrive,” said DC Public Schools chancellor Lewis Ferebee. .“We appreciate the partnership of our families and staff in taking this important step as we all work together to start the school year strong.”.The release went on to say all students and staff need to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test before the start of the 2022-2023 school year. .Families with children from kindergarten to Grade 12 have to administer tests and upload their results to DC Health’s website on Sunday. Those with preschool children must administer their tests and share their outcomes on Wednesday. .The Washington government said families can choose to use antigen or PCR test results not supplied by the city, but those administered before the required dates will be declined. .This announcement comes after a Washington public elementary school taught children as young as four years old in May about being anti-racist and asking students to out racist family members..READ MORE: Washington kindergarteners asked to ‘identify racist family members’.Janney Elementary School principal Danielle Singh sent a letter to parents from preschool to Grade 3 students participating in an “An Anti-Racism Fight Club” presentation by speaker Doyin Richards..“As part of this work, each student has a 'Fistbook' to help continue the dialogue at school and home,” said Singh.
