Updates for Distance Learning

This past week, Dr. Brabrand and the Fairfax County School Board approved a full virtual start to the school year. In his communication, he shared the following:

The online instruction model will be the same one offered to families in our recent survey. For distance learning, our first priority is to provide access and equity in the learning experience for each of our students. We understand that there are significant academic and social/emotional challenges to our students learning remotely. We have strengthened 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 all grade levels.  Students will receive virtual instruction 5 days per week. The week will include 4 days of live, face-to-face online instruction with teachers Tuesday through Friday. Mondays will be used for independent learning with some students identified for teacher-directed specialized instruction/intervention.  Student work will be graded, and attendance is required.

As we prepare for the virtual opening of the school year on September 8^th, we are committed to making sure that every Cameron student in grades Pre-K-6 will have access to appropriate computer technology before the start of school.  Here are the highlights:

• FCPS has provided NEW laptops for all students in grades 5-6 at Cameron for the 20-21 schoolyear. These have arrived at the school and Ms. Sapp is getting them ready to be distributed after August 17^th.  We will contact all families to schedule a computer check-out time. 
• We will be collecting computers that were checked out last school year from students in all grades K-6. This will be curbside in the Kiss and Ride line on August 5^th, August 7^th and August 10^th. 
• The new computers will allow us to roll-down newer, updated computers to our younger learners. Once the returned computers have been updated by Ms. Sapp, we will contact families to schedule pickup for students in grades PreK-4.
• Mifi units will be available if families do not have internet access at home.

We are also pleased to share some of the other curriculum updates that we are working on to make sure the distance learning experiences this year supports our students’ needs.

• Cameron will be providing a full schedule day of virtual learning activities following our bell schedule from 9:20-4:05.
• Students will have access to responsive online instructional programing for Math and Reading to use in their independent learning each day. ST Math will support math instruction.  Imagine learning will provide language arts support.
• Tuesday-Friday, Students in grades K-2 will have 2.5 hours of synchronous (live and interactive) teaching in Core Content plus .5 hours of specials and up to an additional hour of small group instruction for special education, intervention, enrichment, or ESOL support (if qualified).
• Tuesday-Friday, Students in grades 3-6 will have 3.5 hours of synchronous (live and interactive) teaching in Core Content plus .5 hours of specials and up to an additional hour of small group instruction for special education, intervention, enrichment, or ESOL support (if qualified).
• Tuesday-Friday, Students in Pre-K will have 2.5 hours of teacher directed learning plus up to one hour of office hours for individual or small group check-in.
• Each student will have a schedule with consistent lunch and break times as well as a few family choice times built into the day.
• Cameron Staff will be providing parent workshops and resources to connect and support families while they direct their students learning.
• All Cameron instructional staff will receive training on creating engaging distance learning opportunities using the workshop model.
• Daily Schedules for instruction will be shared with families at Back to School Night on September 1^st so families are able to plan.

As we move forward, FCPS decision-making will remain guided by safety, equity, science, and the many needs of our stakeholders in the midst of a dangerous global pandemic.  We thank our Cameron families for your continued support and feedback as we work together to create a distance learning program that reaches all of our children.

3434 Campbell Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22303  | Main Office: 703-329-2100
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