Panther Press: May 24, 2020

Spring Hill Families,

As a reminder, there is no face to face instruction tomorrow, Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Included in this newsletter:

1. Supporting Executive Functioning at Home: A Webinar for Families
2. Student Item Retrieval Schedule
3. Class Placement Parent Input Survey
4. Kindergarten Virtual Orientation
5. Parent Coffee
6. Laptops for Students in Grades K-2
7. FCPS Summer Programs
8. Return to School Planning

Thank you,

Sarah C. Aiello

Supporting Executive Functioning at Home: A Webinar for Families

The FCPS Behavior Intervention Services team will provide resources to help families support the growth of student executive functioning skills during this time of distance learning and beyond.

May 26, 2020. 10:00 a.m.-noon

Register for Supporting Executive Functions at Home: A Webinar for Families 

Student Item Retrieval (all grades)

We will run curbside pick-up to distribute classroom materials and personal items.  We will use our Kiss & Ride Loop and Bus Loop. Vehicles will drive up, driver will open trunk/door, and staff will place bag in vehicle. Families are not permitted to exit their vehicle and staff will be wearing personal protective equipment.   Grade level/Homeroom classes have been assigned a date, time, and location. A follow-up email will be sent with map, directions, and procedures.  Please see schedule below:

Class Placement Parent Input (all grades)  

Our staff will soon begin working collaboratively planning teacher and student assignments for next year. We would like you to assist us in determining class placement by sharing your insights about your child through our google form below.  Please complete the fill-able form and submit.  The information will go directly to Sarah Aiello and will be shared with teachers during the placement process. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Nl54LJ0rCCWp2mU1JNg7xVDRDsEKHjOxjtgrgrTo3lU/edit

Please note:

• All comments should be positive. These forms will be shared with all school staff as we work to create class groupings. 
• Due to constant changes in personnel, we will not accept requests for specific teachers; this includes hints that reference specific teachers. 
• While it’s helpful to share names of your child’s friends, remember that assigning a child to be with all of their friends cannot be our highest priority. Every class will have a blend of children with diverse needs, personalities, and learning abilities.
• The deadline for any correspondence regarding the upcoming school year is Friday, May 29.

Our staff will use this information to work on tentative class groupings in June, with classroom assignments finalized in late August as the school year approaches. Please submit the electronic form no later than Friday, May 29. Due to the tight timeline before school is out, late submissions can not be considered.  

Thank you for your continued trust in our school and working together to create the most successful environment for your child(ren) at Spring Hill each year!

Kindergarten Virtual Orientation Date

SAVE THE DATE!    We will hold a virtual Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, June 9^th at 4:30.  More information to come!

Parent Coffee

Join us! Our time will be spent reconnecting as a community, sharing information, and answering questions.  Our coffees will be a space for positive exchange, reflection, and learning.

How to Access

Please use this BBCU link https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/667171fad45948b28a7cdf7cab97493d

Laptops for Students in Grades K-2

We are happy to share that FCPS has now authorized schools to provide laptops and MiFi internet devices for students in grades K-2.  If your child need a device in order to effectively access our distance learning materials/resources, please e-mail Bill Mosher at wkmosher@fcps.edu with the number of devices you are requesting and your child(ren)'s given name(s), student ID#(s), grade level(s), and homeroom teacher(s). 

FCPS Summer Programs

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-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.

Continuity of Learning (COL)

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 and more information about continuity of learning resources will be provided before the end of the school year.  

School Year 2020-2021

Discussions began this 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 that are unable to return to school/work
• Comply with any social distancing requirements
• Provide student 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.

8201 Lewinsville Road McLean, VA 22102 | Main Office: 703-506-3400
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