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Dear Shrevewood Family,
As you undoubtedly know by now, the Fairfax County School Board supported Dr. Brabrand’s revised recommendation that we begin the 2020-21 school year with virtual learning for all students. The online school year will begin, as scheduled, September 8.
As an educator and a parent of an in-coming kindergarten student at Shrevewood, I can assure you there is nothing we want more than to have our children back in schools, safely. The safety of our children and staff have always and will always remain our top priority. We will continue to keep this goal in mind, as we navigate the uncertainties the pandemic has presented.
Rest assured, however, that the education of our students is not secondary, and we remain committed to reaching each child through high quality instruction and strong relationships with staff and students. In the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, we will provide training and support to strengthen our digital learning model so that we can provide an even more rigorous and engaging virtual-learning program with greater connections for all students at Shrevewood ES. Our School-Based Technology Specialist, Kim Paska, started back on contract last week and will be an essential team member to increase the quality of our virtual environments. Her role will be specifically to support our teachers and staff as we become even better digital educators. The following are commitments that are already in place in the FCPS plan:
- Online learning provides four days (Tuesday through Friday) of live, face-to-face instruction with teachers.
- At the elementary level, students will receive real-time, interactive instruction each day.
- Student work will be graded and attendance is required.
- The elementary day will also consist of additional small group instruction, intervention supports, and independent learning activities assigned to students.
Monday evening, I offer you the chance to connect with me and with each other at 4:30 p.m. I will send the BBCU link out Friday afternoon in our Shrevewood Wise Words. I may not yet have the answers you seek, yet I would like to hear your questions. Most importantly, I want you to know that I am here for you and our community.
None of these decisions are easy and my heart continues to be heavy. At the same time, I am filled with joy at the prospect of the coming school year because I love the work we do together, and I know our school will continue to be a place of love and learning.
If you cannot join me and the team on Monday, there will be additional opportunities to get together in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Sincerely,
Joshua DeSmyter
Principal
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