Coronavirus Update: Food, Academics, Staying Healthy, Child Care
Dear Providence District Families,
The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has been considerable. There are still many issues being addressed, especially solidifying distance learning capabilities and securing student access to food, computers, internet, and adult supervision where needed. FCPS has announced the following actions:
- All FCPS school buildings and administrative offices are closed.
- All School Board meetings scheduled before April 1 are postponed.
- Food distribution has expanded to 29 locations. Additional details are below.
Many of you have asked when distance learning will begin. Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has advised FCPS that daily instruction without accommodations for special education students would be a violation of the law. More on that soon.
This remains a fluid situation. We owe it to each other to stay informed and calm. FCPS will continue providing frequent updates as new information becomes available. Please visit the special FCPS Coronavirus Update Website, which includes frequently asked questions, fact sheets, videos, and other useful resources.
We are all in this together. I encourage you to read the updates below and then forward this email to friends, family, and other community members who may find it informative. Others can subscribe to these newsletters here.
 Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board
Food Resources for Students and Families
Grab-and-go breakfasts (8-10:30am) and lunches (10:30am-2pm) are now available at 29 schools at no cost to FCPS students, while adults may purchase meals for $2. We are working hard to expand to even more locations. Current locations include:
- Annandale Terrace ES, 7604 Herald St., Annandale
- Bailey's Primary ES, 6111 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church
- Braddock ES, 7825 Heritage Dr., Annandale
- Bren Mar Park ES, 6344 Beryl Rd., Alexandria
- Brookfield ES, 4200 Lees Corner Rd., Chantilly
- Burke School, 9645 Burke Lake Rd., Burke
- Cameron ES, 3434 Campbell Dr., Alexandria
- Centre Ridge ES, 14400 New Braddock Rd., Centreville
- Coates ES, 2480 River Burch Rd., Herndon
- Crestwood ES, 6010 Hanover Ave., Springfield
- Cunningham Park ES, 1001 Park St., Vienna
- Dogwood ES, 12300 Glade Dr., Reston
- Fort Belvoir Upper ES, 5980 Meeres Rd., Fort Belvoir
- Forest Edge ES, 1501 Becontree Ln., Reston
- Garfield ES, 7101 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield
- Glen Forest ES, 5829 Glen Forest Dr., Falls Church
- Graham Road Community Center, 3036 Graham Rd., Falls Church
- Herndon ES, 630 Dranesville Rd., Herndon
- Hollin Meadows ES, 2310 Nordok Pl., Alexandria
- Hutchison ES, 13209 Parcher Ave., Herndon
- Hybla Valley ES, 3415 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria
- Irving MS, 8100 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield
- London Towne ES, 6100 Stone Rd., Centreville
- Mount Vernon Woods ES, 4015 Fielding St., Alexandria
- Parklawn ES, 4116 Braddock Rd., Alexandria
- Pine Spring ES, 7607 Willow Ln., Falls Church
- Providence ES, 3616 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax
- South County HS, 8700 Laurel Crest Dr., Lorton
- Weyanoke ES, 6520 Braddock Rd., Alexandria
More information about food resources for students and families can be found on the FCPS Food Resources for Families website. The site will be updated regularly with new information.
Academics and Continuity of Learning Plan
FCPS has developed a plan for continuity of learning while school is closed. Our goal is for students to read, write, communicate, and engage in continued learning experiences during this period. The first two weeks of school closure (Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 27) will not include any teacher-directed instruction.
As noted above, VDOE has advised FCPS that daily instruction without Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations for special education students would be a violation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Students can participate in optional, self-directed learning activities posted on FCPS 24-7 Blackboard. This work will be neither required nor graded. Activities are across content areas so each child can choose activities that suit their interests. Additional information for families who need access to technology and connectivity will be provided soon.
Additionally, the FCPS cable television channel is broadcasting learning activities. New instructional videos are currently being recorded and will be added to the programming lineup shortly. Channel 21 includes elementary school programming, Channel 25 includes middle school programming, and Channel 99 includes high school programming.
Khan Academy is offering resources to be used during the school closures to keep students engaged in learning activities – sign-up here. There is a webinar on Wednesday to assist parents with getting started. Also, Scholastic Learn at Home offers day-by-day articles and stories, videos, and fun learning challenges.
After the first two-week school closure period, teacher-directed virtual instruction may be considered. Policies and timelines for third-quarter grading are under consideration. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you support your child during distance learning:
- Establish routines and expectations.
- Balance screen time and non-screen time activities.
- Students should take brain breaks and regularly move as they study.
- Discuss what your child is learning and ask questions.
- Establish times for quiet and reflection.
- Remain mindful of the stress of your child.
Parent/guardian usernames and passwords for the Student Information System (SIS) and FCPS 24/7 Learning (Blackboard) are the same – login here. Over the weekend, FCPS sent account registration information, via a paper mailer, to the home addresses of parents and guardians who do not yet have a SIS/Blackboard parent account.
Keeping Your Family Healthy
For the most up-to-date information from the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), visit their website and be sure to sign-up for text message alerts by texting FFXCOVID to 888-777. FCHD has a wealth of information, including details on how to stay healthy, COVID-19 symptoms, and what to do if you are sick.
Proactive measures including, social distancing such as limiting large gatherings, teleworking, and reducing travel, can slow the spread of disease and reduce the burden on medical providers by "flattening the curve." Together we can lower and delay the peak of this public health crisis.
Finding Child Care
The Fairfax County Office for Children maintains an up to date online child care search that lists all child care centers and family child care homes that are licensed or regulated in the county.
If you need support for finding child care in your neighborhood, please visit Child Care Assistance and Referral for additional information. Child care financial assistance may be available for families who meet eligibility criteria.
In addition to maintaining regular daily health practices and protocols, Fairfax County has encouraged child care programs to:
- Increase daily cleaning and disinfecting routines to multiple times throughout the day.
- Maintain small groups by staggering group times on the playground and not combining multiple groups for activities.
- Modify drop off and pick up procedures to limit access to the program.
- Restrict outside visitors and volunteers.
- Ensure that staff monitor themselves for symptoms of illness and stay home when sick.
- Require that parents/guardians monitor their child for symptoms of illness and keep them home if they or any member of the household are sick.
- Increase and monitor proper handwashing throughout the day – for children and adults.
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2020 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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