Return to School Update
Greetings,
This has been a dynamic week in terms of Fairfax County, Loudon County, and statewide efforts to safely reopen public schools for in-person instruction. During Tuesday’s Return to School (RTS) Work Session, our School Board provided unanimous support for Superintendent Brabrand’s proposed timeline for in-person learning. In addition, Governor Northam made a formal announcement today that sets expectations for school districts to provide in-person instruction by March 15.
While several of us on the Board advocated for a quicker return for Grades 1-6, regrettably there was not enough support to revise the timeline. Despite this outcome, I am very proud of our Board’s unanimous decision on a complex issue that has generated months of intense community debate.
Given Tuesday’s meeting “marked a rare moment of harmony” (per a local news outlet), I am hopeful the public will share our Board’s commitment to promote respectful discourse, find common ground, and support this positive step towards in-person instruction.
Without question, the health and safety of students and employees remains at the forefront of our decisions. As such, the School Board and FCPS leadership will continue to monitor local health conditions, and the strict adherence of school-based mitigation practices.
Most importantly, we must each do our part to help stop community spread of this devastating virus, as this will contribute to the success of in-person instruction.
To view Tuesday’s School Board Work Session, click here. To see FCPS’ PowerPoint presentation, click here. To read the Governor’s announcement, click here.
RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION DETAILS
Additional details related to this planned return to in-person instruction, including a complete breakdown of the groups and when they will return, can be found by clicking here. FCPS will continue to follow official guidance from the CDC as well as local and state public health officials.
In order to maintain 6-feet social distancing in our classrooms, in-person students will be split into two groups, with each having two days physically in the classroom. As with our virtual population, in-person students will continue to receive four days of direct instruction. To obtain additional details, click here.
As noted during numerous board meetings, FCPS students and staff will be utilizing the CDC’s five mitigation strategies within our school buildings, and this will be monitored by our school safety teams. This video provides more details on the preparations being put into place.
Individual schools will be in touch with more information as we move forward. For those students who are returning to in-person instruction, please remember to complete all COVID health forms required by your school. To read the Health and Safety Guidance Document, click here.
To find additional information on Return to School, click here.
FCPS EMPLOYEE VACCINATIONS
I am very encouraged that 90% our teachers and staff have signed up to receive the vaccine. Although this process has faced some challenges due to vaccine shortages, we appreciate everyone’s patience and willingness to help with this effort. In particular, I want to convey my appreciation for Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay, County Executive Bryan Hill, and Fairfax County Health Department Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu regarding their efforts to expedite FCPS employee vaccinations. I am equally appreciative of the countless INOVA employees who continue to volunteer their services in support of vaccine distributions. As of Jan 25th, over 7,000 teachers and staff have received their first vaccine.
While having teachers and staff vaccinated is not a condition for returning to the classroom, we recognize that this will enhance protection for them and our students as well as improve health conditions in our community.
MONITORING HEALTH CONDITIONS GOING FORWARD
FCPS and the School Board will carefully continue to monitor COVID health conditions as it relates to in-person instruction and make any necessary adjustment. Decisions regarding in-person instruction will include data related to community transmission rates, site specific outbreaks, and staff capacity. To follow the Fairfax County COVID-19 cases reported by the Virginia Department of Health, click here. To track the data FCPS is using to make decisions, click here. These health indicators, along with the five safety mitigation strategies we have implemented, adhere to CDC recommendations.
NEW BELL SCHEDULE BEGINS FEBRUARY 16th
Please be aware that FCPS is implementing new start times, beginning Feb. 16. This change is due to social-distancing requirements which limit capaciity on school buses. It will apply to both in-person and virtual learners. To see a complete list of the changes, click here.
IN-PERSON BUS TRANSPORTATION EFFORTS
Our bus transportation department is doing its best to minimize the risk of COVID transmission. You can help support our safety efforts by driving your students to and from school, if possible.
CLASSROOM MONITORS NEEDED
Another way to support FCPS’ return to in-person instruction is to apply for a classroom monitor position. To find out more, click here. While FCPS is pleased to report that 74% of the vacancies have been filled to date, the need for additional monitors still exists.
FALL 2021 PLANS: 5 DAYS A WEEK IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Many of you have asked about plans for five days a week of in-person instruction. Dr. Brabrand stated on Tuesday that this is FCPS’ goal for Fall 2021, and he will provide more information at our March RTS work session. He also noted that FCPS staff are working on instructional/remediation programs, including summer school, to help our students close learning gaps caused by the pandemic.
If you have any questions or concerns about Return to School or any other topics, please reach out to me so that my aide and I are better able to assist you.
Best wishes for a restful weekend and enjoy the snow!
Megan
The views contained within this newsletter reflect the views of the individual school board member who is the publisher of this newsletter and may not reflect the views of the Fairfax County School Board.
© 2021 Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia
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