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As the weeks go by, the school board is trying to plan ahead for summer and fall in light of the uncertainties of COVID-19. In addition, we are still trying to keep key topics moving forward. I’ll give you a brief summary of some of this below.
I hope you and your family are staying safe and that now that our distance learning technology issues have calmed down, your children are engaged in classwork both virtually and through using the materials being provided by their teachers. It is hard to believe we are only a month away from finishing up this school year and that our 2020 senior class has less than two weeks left.
I continue to hear stories of distance learning challenges and successes and of interesting ways families are coping with having children at home. I’m happy to highlight what one Great Falls family is doing with their family of four learners.
I’ve talked with lots of teachers, principals, and families and want to hear your suggestions for moving forward as we continue our planning for summer and fall. I’ll also do my best to answer any questions you may have. Please contact me as described below.
How to reach me….
Please check out my new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DranesvilleFCPS/
Send me a question HERE or leave me a phone message at 571-423-1087.
Or, I have set up times to speak with constituents through May that you can book ahead of time. Book a 15 minute phone meeting: Tuesdays 6 pm to 7 pm and Wednesdays 10 am to Noon. Sign up HERE.
Budget
The school board continues to work on the FY21 budget and will vote on the budget at the May 21 school board meeting. The proposed budget continues to mirror the county strategy of keeping existing staff and eliminating compensation increases. We are, however, considering moving forward with increasing the salaries of our Instructional Assistants and Public Health Training Assistants. We are proposing to preserve existing programs.
In addition, we are looking to bolster supports for technology and online learning, dropout prevention, substance abuse prevention, and intensive supports for special education.
FCPS does anticipate approximately $20.9M from the Federal CARES Grant and is proposing spending that money on personal protective gear and other health supplies, computers, and connectivity devices for elementary school students and digital curriculum resources.
Other COVID-19 related expenditures may include additional school based technology specialists (SBTS) and additional counselors, psychologists, and social workers to help our students and families deal with the social and emotional toll of this pandemic.
Return to School—Summer and Fall
Summer 2020
Special Education Services -- Virtual Extended School Year
FCPS will provide Extended School Year (ESY) to students, grades PreK thru 12, whose IEP team determines that the student qualifies for ESY due to significant regression and lack of recovery of skills that were gained during the regular school year prior to the shutdown.
This summer, ESY services will be provided virtually to students June 29 through July 24. The learning will be provided through the continued Distance Learning model. The learning materials will be available online and in printed packets mailed to students.
Virtual Preschool Autism Classrooms
Summer learning for preschool autism students will be done virtually from July 2-30. The learning information will be available online and in printed packets mailed to students. Staff will offer virtual parent coaching sessions.
General Education: High School
Virtual Summer High School Credit Recovery classes will be offered at every high school from July 6-24. The virtual program is designed to allow students to recover credit for a failed course or receive targeted intervention to support future success. The program will be free to all students. Schools will be able to invite students who did not fail a course but who may need extra support.
The Online Campus will be open to all students to enroll in select courses for new credit. Students will complete a full course and participate in daily synchronous (live) communication with teachers. Students who enroll in the Online Campus pay tuition, and FCPS is excited to announce that the tuition has been reduced to $375 for this summer. If you have already registered for a course for this summer, you will be receiving additional information about a refund.
Students may also work with their counselors to seek approval to complete a new course through a college or university or through another public or private school that is accredited by Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) and Virtual Private Schools accredited by VCPE.
In addition, FCPS will offer continuity of learning for students using self-directed digital materials available online. All students will have the opportunity to practice mathematics and literacy skills and participate in virtual office hours with math or language arts teachers for support and connection.This program is free to all students. More information about continuity of learning resources will be provided in the near future.
ESOL Online: Language and Literacy Connections:
Current English Learners grades 7-12.
- Monday, June 22 - Tuesday, July 14
- Morning session: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., daily OR evening session: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily
- For more information and to register, contact your ESOL teacher or visit: ESOL Summer Learning
Middle School and Elementary School
Middle school and elementary school students will have the opportunity to focus on math and literacy skill-building using self-directed print and digital materials. Each school will have teachers who will support students in their summer learning experiences from June 29 - July 31. Students will have the opportunity to connect with these teachers virtually during office hours for support. These programs are free to students. More information about continuity of learning resources will be provided in the near future.
Fall 2020
Discussions began last week with the School Board about our Return to School plans for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.
We are awaiting guidance from the state about the possible required conditions that will need to be met for schools to reopen. We also plan to seek the input of all of our stakeholder groups – parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators – in developing our return to school plan.
The considerations for return to school include the need to:
- Ensure safe learning and working environments for students and staff
- Provide options for students and staff who are unable to return to school/work
- Comply with any social distancing requirements
- Provide universal access to technology devices and internet services at home
- Provide staff with adequate time and training to prepare for the new school year
- Make decisions as soon as possible for scheduling and communication with families
We are preparing for a variety of possible scenarios including:
- Students will have a virtual start to the school year.
- Students will return to school with social distancing in place.
- School will open on time, but some students and/or staff may be unable to return and will participate through virtual learning.
The preliminary report presented to the School Board is available here.
Graduation-Class of 2020
First, a Huge Congratulations to the Langley HS Class of 2020!
See where they are going next fall in this video: LHS 2020 Colleges
Dr. Brabrand brought several ideas to the board last week regarding the celebration of the accomplishments of our Class of 2020. Given that the health and safety of our students and families is of utmost importance to us, this is the plan that we approved. I recognize we are all disappointed to not have our usual face to face celebrations and parties. I wish only the best for our wonderful graduates and look forward to hearing about your upcoming accomplishments and endeavors as you move beyond FCPS.
- High schools will schedule individual graduate photo opportunities beginning in June, with each graduate wearing their cap and gown along with appropriate cords and medals. Seniors will be able to receive their diploma at this photo event. A limited number of family members will be permitted to join the graduate.
- A Class of 2020 celebration video will be produced. Seniors will be contacted this month to submit information and photos for the video. The video will be professionally produced and distributed at no cost to all members of the Class of 2020.
- An in-person ceremony will be scheduled in the fall at each school if conditions are such that the event would not pose a health risk to students or staff. A decision about a fall ceremony will be announced around Labor Day. If a fall in-person ceremony cannot be held for health and safety reasons, then we will consider scheduling the face to face ceremony in the winter or next spring.
Advanced Academics
The previous school board solicited a report on the equity of access to our Advanced Academic Programs. The report and presentation are now available HERE. The report clearly shows the important role our Advanced Academic resource teachers play in our schools and the potentially positive role of up front programs for students such as the Young Scholars program.
McLean High School News
Want more info on clubs at McLean HS? Check out this video.
McLean HS Overcrowding
March 9—the school board consented to include Cooper and Longfellow MS in the Langley HS/McLean HS boundary change discussion. We are still figuring out the best way to move forward with the boundary scoping meetings with our restrictions on public meetings. Watch for news on this.
May 9—the school board consented to have our facilities department move ahead with putting a modular at McLean HS to replace some of the trailers. The modular will have bathrooms and 12 classrooms. This will make for a much more comfortable learning environment for current students and teachers at the school. How many trailers will be removed and just how the school site will be impacted during the installation of the modular is still being negotiated with school administration and facilities staff. The modular will be available for occupancy in January 2021. Watch for more details on this, too.
The decision to place the modular at McLean does not preclude a future addition to address capacity challenges at the school. Even with a modular in place, McLean HS will continue to be overcapacity. FCPS staff is in collaboration with county staff to look at development and enrollment figures for the entire Tysons/McLean area.
Distance Learning—Algebra 2 at Herndon HS
A Creative Distance Learning Option
 Great Falls Family Starts Weekly Newspaper
When tasked with keeping a kindergartener, a 2nd grader, a 4th grader, and a 7th grader with Down’s Syndrome learning and busy after schools were closed, the Killians started a weekly newspaper. The Killian family in Great Falls comes from a line of newspaper pros. The children had seen a paper their Dad had worked on when he was in grade school, and they thought that was a pretty cool project. They enlisted Grandpa for a few lessons on newspaper production and went to work. The family is on their 8th weekly edition and have enlisted another 4th grade friend as a writer. They started out sending the paper to family members and then decided to share it with the teachers at Great Falls Elementary School. Word is spreading, and many are now enjoying the weekly news.
Mom picks the theme for the week, and the children each choose their own focus. Topics have ranged from history, science, point of view, opinion pieces, domestic travel, and international travel. Their Japanese immersion students interviewed their Japanese teacher to learn more about Japan. Their last issue is a collection of poetry. They invited their son’s 4th grade class to submit poetry this time around.
The Killians are fitting this in between online learning with the teachers at Cooper and Great Falls and working on the packets and other materials being sent out. They find the weekly menus provided by each school super helpful, easy to follow and good to help them set a family schedule. They are having fun working as a team on their newspaper. They are all increasing communication, collaboration, and creativity skills while building writing skills and real life learning around grade level topics.
I was a bit intimidated, but when asked to submit a poem to the latest edition, I couldn’t say no.
Good News on FCPS Student Achievement:
State Science Fair and Merit Scholarship Winners
FCPS students got some good news recently. Ten students have been awarded 2020 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and more than 30 students received awards at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair, including an Oakton High School student who received a First Grand Prize.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
May 21 at 1:30 p.m.: Regular Board Meeting to finalize the budget
- For agenda, handouts and more click here
- For information on how to submit testimony at a public meeting, click here
- Members of the public are welcome to attend virtually via https://www.fcps.edu/tv/ch99.
- Meetings will be recorded and available to view on the FCPS YouTube page here
FCPS – Where to go to resolve issues
People often ask me who they should turn to for help with school related issues.
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Teacher or Counselor - The first place to go is to your child’s teacher or counselor (or case manager for special education).
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School Principal - Next, turn to your school’s principal if you need further help.
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Regional Superintendent - If you are still having issues, reach out to your Regional Assistant Superintendent. Fairfax County is divided into five regions, each with a Regional Assistant Superintendent. They can provide support to resolve issues.
Other sources for help
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FCPS Ombudsman (General Ed and Special Ed) – available to help guide parents and answer questions ombudsman@fcps.edu
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FCPS Parent Resource Center: available virtually to help! Call 703-204-3941 or prc@fcps.edu
Inspiration!!
McLean Student Makes 200+ Masks For 911 Call Center Staff https://patch.com/virginia/mclean/mclean-student-makes-200-makes-911-call-center-staff
One Student, 225 Much-Needed Face Masks
Face masks for first responders
Cooper MS student writes a book!
https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/video/aspiring-young-writer-advantage-virginias-stay-home-order-70207755
Student/Family Resources
STEM Challenges to do at Home
A recent eSchool article:
https://www.eschoolnews.com/2020/05/15/8-stem-learning-challenges-students-can-do-at-home/2/
FCPS Middle School After-School @ Home
FCPS Middle School After-School has put together a number of virtual after-school activities to engage middle school students in the arts, music, STEM, physical fitness, cooking, games, puzzles, literature, and more – things students can do at home.
FCPS students can access these virtual after-school activities by joining the "FCPS MS After-School @ Home" Google Classroom.
The classroom code is: t673w7v.
Once your student has joined the classroom, there are a variety of topics they can choose from in the "Classwork" tab. We hope your students enjoy this site, and that it helps them actively pursue their interests during this time of social distancing.
If you or your student have ideas for other activities, please email your After-School Program Specialist or use the "FCPS MS @ Home Interest Form" located on the classroom home page.
Counseling, College and Career Distance Learning Resources for Seniors and Juniors
Both the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 Next Steps Google sites are available. The Class of 2021 Next Steps Google site is the second in a collection of college and career resources assembled by the College Success Program in collaboration with school staff and the Office of Counseling and College and Career Readiness.
The Google sites, available in Google Classroom, will help seniors and juniors as they begin to explore and develop their postsecondary plans. The links to the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 sites have been shared with directors of student services (DSS), school counselors, career center specialists, and College Success Program (AVID, CPP, and EIP) staff. The parent site maps have been posted on the Blackboard Distance Learning Resource page under Counseling, College and Career Readiness.
Supporting Your Child with Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship can be described as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior (and its positive and negative impact on self and others) with regard to technology use. All FCPS students are learning to become safe, ethical, and responsible digital citizens. FCPS recognizes that schools and families both play a role in helping children develop the skills and behaviors needed to make positive contributions to the online community.
As we move to distance learning, families and caregivers will play a critical role in modeling expected behaviors and mentoring their children as they use technology to learn with others online. Children may test limits in new online learning spaces. Some children may have difficulty with self-regulation, and this is a normal part of child development. Children may need support from families, caregivers, and their teachers.
To help, FCPS has many resources to support family learning and conversations. These can be found on the Digital Citizenship for Families web page
NOVA Summer Scholarships
Deadline: June 1, 2020
The summer scholarship cycle for the 2020-2021 award year is open. Please encourage students to visit NOVA’s Scholarship Site to review the opportunities and submit their applications.The deadline for filing is June 1.
VDOE Partnership with Spanish-Language Radio Station Supports Learning for Students and Families
Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced that the Virginia Department of Education is partnering with Radio Poder WBTK 1380 AM, a Richmond Spanish-language station, to launch “Virginia: Educación en Radio,” the commonwealth’s first bilingual radio learning program. The program will feature prerecorded lessons in multiple subject areas to support continuity of learning for Spanish-speaking students in grades K-12 while schools are closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The program will air Monday through Friday from 10:30-11 a.m., and run through the end of the month, with a possible extension into June. Programming on Fridays will focus on resources, activities, and educational tips for families. A replay of each week’s lessons will be available on Saturdays from 4-6:30 p.m. WBTK Educación en Radio
Access Books Online Through Fairfax County Public Library
While the Fairfax County Public Library buildings are closed, you can obtain a virtual library card to use until the buildings re-open. No need to present documents. Just sign up online.
When buildings re-open, you can get a real card and account by presenting a photo ID and proof of address at the library. If you don’t get a real card, the virtual account will eventually disappear.
Already have a library card? Set up and use Libby, the Overdrive app for reading and listening to books online.
Go to this link to learn how to sign up and how to access Libby and online books: https://youtu.be/sfyOW261Sf0
Need more help? Go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/. Go to Ask the Library and submit your question.
Food Resources for Fairfax County Families
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency continues to evolve, many individuals and families in our communities may have food assistance needs. All FCPS students (regardless of age), as well as other county children under the age of 18, are eligible for free grab and go breakfast and lunch. Adults picking up meals for children should let staff know how many children's meals they need. Adults may pay $2 for the meals as well. As of March 14, FCPS has served over 923,000 meals.
FCPS is providing grab and go meals at several schools and community centers, pop-up locations, and along several bus routes throughout the county. The FCPS sites, locations, bus routes, and curbside service are available Monday-Friday only. Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools have worked together to develop a searchable map that includes community food distribution sites, including FCPS grab and go locations, community meal distribution sites, food pantries, and other related services.
Get more information about food distribution, assistance with basic needs, and community-based resources in Fairfax County.
*** Emergency meal distribution will continue at all sites and bus routes on Memorial Day.
Cooper MS Teachers Send a Message to all of us!
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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