News and Events
March 2020

Coronavirus Guidance for 826DC Families

826DC is prepared to help keep this community safe. See below for resources, best practices, and answers to questions you may have.

We’ll be sure to update this post as CDC best practices evolve and as more information becomes available.

What should I do if my child isn’t feeling well or may have been exposed to the virus?

826DC encourages you to consider keeping them home from programming, if possible.

How is 826DC preventing infection in the writing center?

As suggested by the CDC, we are asking students in our space to regularly practice handwashing, to cover coughs or sneezes with elbows or tissues, and to avoid touching their eyes, noses, and mouths.

We are also keeping tissues and appropriate disinfectants available and are sanitizing workspaces daily.

What will happen if DCPS or OPM closes?

826DC’s programming will follow DCPS policy. If DCPS temporarily closes due to this virus, 826DC programs will be canceled as well.

If OPM enacts a closure policy, 826DC’s programs and office will also close.

How are 826DC staff, volunteers, and interns staying healthy?

Everyone on the 826DC team has been instructed to stay home and notify us if they have 1) been exposed to the virus, 2) been in contact with someone else who has been exposed or infected, or 3) have symptoms of any illness in the last 48 hours.

As mentioned above, we are also sanitizing our workspaces daily.

What coronavirus-related content and virtual resources can I share with my child?

Coronavirus comic and zine from NPR (we recently explored this with students from our After-School Writing Lab)

Video: Answering Kids’ Questions About The Coronavirus

Coronavirus: What Kids Can Do

After-School Writing Lab at Home

826 Digital

Distance Learning Resource Database from DC Collaborative

826DC YouTube Channel


Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have other questions or concerns! We’re in this together.