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Wildcat Families,
Please take a minute to view this video message from the principal.
I hope everyone is doing well! CVHS teachers and staff are excited to reconnect with students and to further engage students in instruction. The Distance Learning plan begins on April 14, so I want to reiterate some important information. I recommend that you take time to closely review the complete FCPS Distance Learning Plan, and I wanted to highlight a few key points:
Distance Learning Plan key points:
- New learning begins on April 14. Students are expected to engage with their teachers for online learning beginning April 14. Many students have already been connecting with their teachers for optional learning, which is great.
- Learning will include a mix of posted assignments, live learning experiences where teachers provide real-time virtual instruction, and recorded instructional sessions. The weekly schedule for high school can be seen below.
- Students are expected to check their fcpsschools.net email accounts and their teachers’ Blackboard sites each school day for assignments and important information.
- Students will need to be ready for virtual real-time (synchronous) instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra along with working to complete asynchronous assignments on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Students, don’t worry, we will provide you with more information about Blackboard Collaborate Ultra as you get started, and most of you will find the platform easy to use once you practice.
- Teachers will be posting office hours where students can check-in for questions and discussion with the teacher.
- Email is the best way for students and parents to make initial contact with teachers, counselors, administrators, or other staff members if you have a question. Contact information can be found on the CVHS school website and on teachers Blackboard sites.
- Information for Special Education and English Learners can be found at this link. We will share more specific information for Special Education parents as details are developed.
Key Tips for Student Success
- Take care of yourself and stay healthy both mentally and physically.
- Set-up your workspace where you can have your materials and few distractions.
- Stay connected and informed through your email, Blackboard, and Google Classroom sites.
- Know your schedule, which is posted below.
- Be a good digital citizen and be respectful during live Blackboard Collaborate sessions.
- Be patient, flexible, and positive as we all learn together in a new way.
CVHS teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare for distance learning. We also recognize that this roll out is new for everyone and we need to be patient, flexible, and supportive. I ask that students and parents remain flexible with staff as we work to adjust to this new experience. Like you, many staff members find themselves balancing the demands of work while also at home taking care of their own children and loved ones. I know we have a caring and supportive Wildcat family and we will all work together to support each other as we work to best support our students.
Next week is Spring Break, so please enjoy it. I will be hosting a virtual parent information session next Wednesday, April 8 in the evening from 7:00 - 8:00. A link to join the information session will be sent soon. Please continue to stay healthy and positive. We are in this together. Take care!
- No student work assigned after March 13 will be graded. Work assigned prior to March 13 will still be accepted up until April 24 in order to be applied in the calculation of students’ third quarter grades. We will provide maximum flexibility for our students to be sure they can get those assignments submitted to positively impact their grades. If a 3rd quarter assignment/assessment was completed by students, but not yet entered into the gradebook, the grade may be entered into the gradebook and count towards the 3rd quarter grade. Students will work with their teachers to complete any missing work from the third quarter until April 24.
- In FCPS, we will not be giving official grades during fourth quarter; however, teachers will be providing feedback to students, so they know how they are progressing. Although the fourth quarter grade will be a No Mark (NM), at the end of the year, final letter grades will be based on a student’s understanding of the content for the whole year or “mastery of learning.” Grades from the first three quarters will be used to calculate the final grade. Teachers will look at trends in how students show their understanding and learning to benefit the students. In other words, if a student was improving all year long, that improvement can help raise the final grade.
- Teachers will allow students’ work in 4th quarter to positively influence their final grades for the year based on trends in mastery of learning (in accordance with FCPS Grading Policy). This will be especially important for students who were not passing a course prior to the closure on March 13.
- There will be no further SOL testing this year and this change will not impact seniors ability to graduate.
- There will be no final exams included as part of the final grade calculation in the grade book this year. Teachers could provide an exam or culminating activity as an assignment during fourth quarter to help determine if a student has improved or demonstrated mastery to positively influence the student's overall final grade.
I encourage you to review the FAQ document posted on the FCPS webpage at this link. Below are answers to some CVHS FAQ I’ve received. Continue to reach out with any questions.
What if my laptop is at the school?
If your laptop or charger are at the school, please email Mr. Davis at ndavis@fcps.edu, and he will arrange a time for you to pick it up at the main entrance.
What if my laptop is broken?
FCPS is currently working on a plan for how to best handle computer issues. More information will be provided soon.
Are we still getting yearbooks?
Yes, and they are still available for purchase! Students can go to yearbookforever.com and find Centreville High School in VA, and here is the direct link. You can also submit pictures and comments for the yearbook using this google form: https://forms.gle/By66opkyYTFiNyte7. The plan for yearbook distribution will be provided at a later date.
What about graduation?
Be sure you have read this letter from Dr. Brabrand. Further information about graduations will be provided when available. We are also determining how we will handle caps/gowns, diplomas, dues, and any refunds. Information will be shared when we have more information.
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