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Good afternoon Freedom Hill families,
I wanted to check in with you to let you know that we are well aware of your many questions and concerns about the fall. While we do not have many answers yet, we promise to stay in touch with you as we learn more. In the meantime, the form to request face-to-face or virtual instruction sent by the county should be returned by July 10. There will be information in that communication that will hopefully help you to make the best decision for your child(ren) and family. Both methods of instruction will look different next year - virtual instruction will be more comprehensive, and school-based instruction will feature a 2x per week schedule, social distancing, modified transitions, and other changes to student/staff interactions and material sharing. Curriculum provided between the two approaches will be comparable. In both forms, graded assessments will return. More information will be forthcoming for parents of special education students.
In the end, our biggest concern is the health of our students and staff. We are committed to creating the best possible environment for our Freedom Hill family - however we begin school this fall. To ensure that families have the most up-to-date information about options for returning to school, our wonderful PTA has organized a Return to Learn Update tomorrow evening at 8PM. Please see below for information and directions for joining. We have also copied the most recent letter from the superintendent with helpful links that clarify some of the information about the two options available.
As always, if you have any questions please also reach out via email. Mr. Kopacz has some well-deserved time off until the middle of July and I may be taking some time away next week. I will, of course, respond as soon as I am home and planning for the fall begins in earnest.
I am so appreciative of our many voices of community positivity and support as we strive to overcome another uncertain time. As a staff, we stand ready and committed, as always, to doing the best for our young people. We look forward to sharing more details throughout July and August as plans become finalized. Until then, please be well and be safe!
Sincerely,
Nicholas Zapadka, Principal
FCPS RETURN TO LEARN UPDATE
Here's the latest update from Dr. Brabrand on Return to Learn for 2020-2021. There is a lot to consider. We're going to have an open Q&A discussion Wednesday, July 1st from 8-9pm for those who want to talk through details. Zoom info is here or dial in here: 301-715-8592 with meeting ID: 993 1838 2806. We certainly don't have all the answers but want to give an opportunity for people to talk to each other. Be sure to fill out your enrollment preference by July 10th.
Families,
Earlier this week we shared with you our framework for Return to School and how we will offer families this school year a choice of in-school learning for students with health and social distancing protocols in place or an online, virtual learning option at the family’s request. We will be sending a letter early next week which will provide additional details and ask you to select which program you want for your child or children. Please be assured we are committed to presenting as much information as possible so that our families and staff can make informed decisions. We understand the concerns you have about the choice that needs to be made by July 10. Those concerns are being factored in by us as we work to balance the educational needs of our students with our need to ensure a safe learning environment. In this process, our first priority remains the health and safety of our students and staff.
Each family situation is uniquely different. You may want to discuss the options with your health care provider as part of the decision-making process. We will continue to work closely with the health department in developing the return to school plan and follow their guidance should there be a need to close a school building(s) because of a future outbreak. We know you have many questions about the return to school options and we have posted Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the FCPS website to help answer some of those questions. I encourage you to visit the FAQ page often as we will continue to update it regularly throughout the summer. The FAQs cover a variety of topics including face coverings, health screenings, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, transportation, curriculum, and technology access.
Visit the Return to School web page for more details on the plans.
These links explain in greater detail the two return to school options:
For our special education families, we will be providing you additional information about the upcoming school year plans in the very near future.
I also want to let you know that I will be holding another Town Hall Meeting on Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. and will be prepared to answer as many of your questions as we can. We are also pleased to let you know that we will continue our grab and go meal distribution through the summer. More information about locations and times can be found on our Food Resources page.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to do what is best for ALL of our students and employees during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Scott Brabrand, Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools
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