Mason District Updates

Dear Mason District Families,

COVID-19 continues to be a fast-moving event. Over the weekend, we continued to evaluate our options going forward with the health and well-being of our students, employees, and community remaining the top priority. In consideration of these developments, FCPS announced the following actions:

  • All FCPS school buildings are closed until further notice.
  • Food distribution at FCPS sites will continue as scheduled. More details about the food program are below.
  • With the school buildings closed, the laptop distribution scheduled for today is postponed.
  • All FCPS administrative offices are closed until further notice.

As the situation continues to evolve, any updates will be posted on the FCPS Coronavirus webpage

We are all in this together. We encourage you to practice social distancing and healthy habits. Thank you for your continuing support and cooperation.  


Food Resources for Students and Families

Beginning today, March 16, we are expanding the grab and go food distribution sites to a total of 18 locations. We will be adding more locations very soon. The food distribution is set up outside the schools.

Breakfast will be served 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Lunch will be served 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Both will be served at the locations listed below:

  • Annandale Terrace ES,  7604 Herald St.,
  • Annandale Bailey's Primary ES, 6111 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church
  • Braddock ES,  7825 Heritage Dr.,Annandale
  • Brookfield ES, 4200 Lees Corner Rd, Chantilly
  • Burke School, 9645 Burke Lake Rd., Burke
  • Centre Ridge ES, 14400 New Braddock Rd., Centreville
  • Crestwood ES, 6010 Hanover Ave., Springfield
  • Cunningham Park ES, 1001 Park St., Vienna
  • Dogwood ES, 12300 Glade Dr., Reston
  • Garfield ES, 7101 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield 
  • Graham Road  Community Center,  3036 Graham Rd., Falls Church
  • Fort Belvoir Upper ES, 5980 Meeres Rd., Fort Belvoir
  • Hutchison ES, 13209 Parcher Ave., Herndon
  • Hybla Valley ES, 3415 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria 
  • London Towne ES, 6100 Stone Rd., Centreville
  • Mount Vernon Woods ES, 4015 Fielding St., Alexandria
  • Providence ES, 3616 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax
  • Weyanoke ES, 6520 Braddock Rd., Alexandria

More information about food resources for students and families can be found HERE. The site will be updated shortly with additional locations and 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.

Students can participate in optional, self-directed learning activities posted on FCPS 24-7 Blackboard. Student work will be neither required nor graded. These activities will be across the 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, FCPS cable channels with learning activities are now available. New instructional videos are currently being developed and recorded and will be added to the programming shortly. Channel 21 includes elementary school programming, Channel 25 includes middle school programming, and Channel 99 includes high school programming.

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. 

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 move regularly as they study.
  • Discuss what your child is learning and ask questions.
  • Establish times for quiet and reflection.
  • Remain mindful of your child’s stress.

Parents/guardians, your username and password for the Student Information System (SIS) and FCPS 24/7 Learning (Blackboard): Parent View are the same. You can login to FCPS 24-7 Learning: Parent View.

Over the weekend, FCPS staff sent account registration information, via a paper mailer, to the home addresses of parents/guardians who do not yet have a SIS/Blackboard parent account.


Health Department Information

For the most up-to-date information from the Fairfax County Health Department, visit their website HERE.

Health Department Hotline: 703-267-3511


Board Meeting Updates

All Board meetings in March are being postponed and will be rescheduled to later dates. These include:

  • 3/17 Public Engagement Committee (PEC)
  • 3/18 Governance Committee
  • 3/18 Budget Work Session
  • 3/18 Lee HS Renaming Public Hearing
  • 3/19 Closed Session and Regular Meeting

Supplemental Academic Resources

Khan Academy is offering resources to be used during the school closures to keep students engaged in learning activities. Parents can sign up HERE. There is a webinar on Wednesday to assist parents in getting started.

Scholastic Learn at Home offers day-by-day exciting articles and stories, videos and fun learning challenges.


Please continue to keep yourselves and your families safe. We are looking forward to returning to normal activities.

RA

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.

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