Return to the Building
This past week we held Return to School Town Halls in English, Spanish and Arabic. Below are the FAQs that were asked in the form prior to the Town Halls. Please feel free to reach out to your child's administrator if you have any further questions, we are always happy to help.
How will students be reintroduced to the building?
Students are receiving lessons in Panther Time starting next week which highlights the new procedures. Likewise, many students have been in the building for WIDA testing and four day a week intervention. Students will also be receiving a welcome back email prior to the return to school with reminders as well. Finally, we are hosting Return to School Town Halls for families, which will also support students’ reentry.
How are we making time to connect with students who are now in the building? Teachers are encouraged to spend parts of their class time connecting with students and teaching classroom procedures (as would normally occur in August). Additionally, with the new bell schedule there is greater time to informally interact with students during passing periods and Brain Breaks.
What will concurrent instruction look like for my student? Students receive two days of teacher-led instruction in the school building and two days of teacher-led instruction at home. Students who select virtual learning will receive all four days of teacher-led instruction while learning at home.
Can students use the restroom during class? We are trying to limit the amount of students leaving the classroom to use the restroom during a period; however, if a student needs to use the restroom, they may do so. Students will have 10 minutes between classes to use the restroom as well.
Can students use phones? Our phone procedures will stay the same. A phone can be used in class if the teacher specifically allows for its use for academic purposes, however this might be more limited this year now that all students have FCPS issued laptops. Students are allowed to use phones in the cafeteria during lunch. Phone use during brain breaks is at teachers’ discretion.
What are Brain Breaks? Brain Breaks were developed to ensure that virtual students have enough time to go to a food distribution site and return with enough time during the lunch break. As well as to give our in-person students a break as well. In order to accommodate our virtual students this is a 15 minute supervised break in addition to the 30 minute lunch break. Teacher led options include doing community builders, playing games, or hanging out and talking with students.
Will any classes occur outside? As in any year, classes such as HPE will take place at various times outside. As the weather warms up specific teachers will work with their administrator to explore any outdoor options.
Why are we doing asynchronous FIT? We moved to an asynchronous FIT in order to reduce students’ movement through the building, ensure we are not over capacity in classrooms, and help address complex master scheduling logistics. This approach will allow us time to take it slow and layer in complexities as we go. Students will do their asynchronous FIT class while in their Panther Time classroom.
When does asynchronous FIT begin?
- Tuesday, March 2 - Enrichment FIT and 8th Grade FIT will be asynchronous
- Tuesday, March 9 - 6th & 7th Grade FIT will be asynchronous
What about the After School program? Currently, the After School program will continue virtually. We will communicate with students, families, and staff when this changes.
What will Mondays look like? Mondays will continue to look similar to its current format. Students will have a live (virtual) Panther Time class. Additionally, students can attend office hours with their teachers and use the time to get caught up in their classes.
How will arrival work? Kiss-and-ride and walkers will enter through Door #1, while Bus riders will enter through Door #2 & Door #3. As students enter the building they will proceed directly to their 1st or 2nd period class. If a student is getting breakfast it will be grab-and-go and will be eaten in the cafeteria. The building will be open for students beginning at 7:00am.
How will dismissal work? Students will be dismissed with staggered bells at 1:55pm, 1:57pm, and 2:00pm based on classroom number. Kiss-and-ride students should exit out Door #1 & #2. Bus riders should exit Door #2 & #3.
What should students bring to school? Students should bring their fully charged FCPS laptop, charger, headphones, and a water bottle.
What will band and orchestra be like? Musical instruments will not be shared, with the exception of percussion equipment, pianos, and keyboards that can be cleaned. Percussion equipment will be wiped down after use. Social distancing will occur as suggested by the CDC. Currently that distance is a 6x6 foot space around each student with the student sitting in the center for all music classes. Trombones will have an additional three feet of distancing, making their space 9x6 feet. The player will be seated three feet in front of the back line, leaving an additional six feet in front of them due to the extended nature of the instrument and slide that can be in extended position. Students must stand/sit all facing the same direction, back to front to minimize potential exposure. Spit valves will not be emptied on the floor but into an absorbent disposable material that can be discarded. Bell covers will be attached to woodwind and brass instruments. Fine Arts will purchase these for schools. Students must wear masks unless they have a medical exemption. Masks can be removed for the playing of woodwind and brass instruments. Students can also utilize specialized instrument face masks with a slit for the mouthpiece.
What will choir be like? Students will stand/sit all facing the same direction, back to front to minimize the potential exposure. Students will maintain current 6-foot social distancing guidelines within the classroom. A Choral Mask should be worn by the students and teachers. The Fine Arts Office will provide for the schools.
For students attending hybrid/in-person school, when will families learn which two days will be in the building? Unless other arrangements have been coordinated with the administration, in-person students with last names starting with A-K will be in the building on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students with last names starting with L-Z will be in the building on Thursdays and Fridays. Families should have received an email stating the days of the week they will attend.
What happens if my family wants to change our preference from in-person to virtual? We are approving all requests for families to change from in-person to virtual. Unfortunately, due to staffing and social distancing constraints, we are not able to approve any changes for students to switch from virtual to in-person at this time but you may request to be placed on the waitlist. If you would like to make either request, please complete the following request form in English, Spanish, or Arabic.
How will lunch work? Also, can students pack their own lunch? Lunch will be in the cafeteria , and students will sit in assigned seats based on their 5th/6th period class. Students will be seated at individual desks with 6 feet between. Students will do a grab and go lunch and will NOT move through the line. Breakfast and lunch are free for ALL students this year. Vending machines and the snack counter will not be part of lunch this year. Desks and chairs will be cleaned between each lunch. Lastly, students may pack their own lunch and bring from home if desired.
Can we find out which teachers will be teaching in-person? Over 85% of Glasgow’s staff will return to in-person. You will receive an email from the school should one of your student’s teachers be 100% virtual. Room monitors are assigned to teachers who have accommodations to teach remotely. Room monitors will ensure students are logged on and participating in class.
My child is 100% virtual, how can we get a book from the library? We plan to support our 100% virtual students by continuing Mobile Mondays at Glasgow MS, Bailey’s Community Center, Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, and Woodrow Wilson Public Library on 3/15, 4/12, & 5/10. Also, students can put a book on hold and pick up from the front office during school hours (Mon-Fri 7:00am -3:00pm). Lastly, students can also access MackinVIA which is our online portal for eBooks/audiobooks. They also have a public library account set up through FCPS called LEAP (https://research.fairfaxcounty.gov/education/leap).
Resources:
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Parent/Guardian Health Screening Commitment form
ParentVue – where parents can access information about their child(ren)
Return to School
Student Health and Safety Guidance Document
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Permission to Return to School/Child Care Form
Virginia Department of Health
Mask-Wearing
Riding the Bus
Return to School Daily Procedures
Stop the Spread Video
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