Farm Family Update
October 26, 2020
Dear Farm Families,
I want to thank our Farm Families for understanding our need to delay the reopening of Ferry Farm Elementary and starting the new hybrid plan. I am sure all of you know that this was a very difficult decision for us to make because we were also looking forward to being back in school with our eagles. However, we must always err on the side of caution and make sure that our students, families, and staff return to a learning environment that is safe for all.
I want to remind you that all SCPS elementary school students that have selected the hybrid model, in grades Kindergarten through 5th, will be returning to school beginning this week. Ferry Farm will be the only exception. Please make sure that your children continue to attend virtually with their current teacher and follow the same virtual model of meeting with their teachers synchronously for two days and asynchronously for three days. At this time, our Return to School for students that have selected the hybrid model is still scheduled for the week of November 9th.
When creating new classrooms, it was a priority that we limit the number of students moves. We understand that our students and teachers have already built relationships together, and we wish we didn't need to make any moves. Although it was a priority, we were not able to have every student remain with their current class. It is true that we had to move students who requested changes and some who did not. We have a limited number of virtual and hybrid seats and our goal was to keep the classrooms consisting of students in the same model. If your child is moving to a new class, please be positive when talking to them about the transition. The more positive you are the better the chance of them being excited about their new teacher and classroom.
We have heard the concern about students being outside. We have addressed these concerns and have made adjustments in classroom space. All grade level classrooms are being moved into the building, and third grade will no longer be in the trailers. All hybrid classrooms will be inside and teachers who are teaching remotely or with small groups of students will have classroom space outside.
Important dates moving forward:
The week of October 26th, teachers will make phone calls to families
The hybrid date for Ferry Farm students to return is Monday, Nov. 9th
On Monday, November 9th, begin the new Hybrid model (Plan B) with new students by starting the day with Extended Morning Meetings
Nov. 9th- teachers will have a live am and pm virtual open house with their families
Nov. 9th- all IEPs will transition to Plan B services. Please reach out to your case manager or the Designee for questions.
Dedicated to our eagles even from a distance!
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Mr. Freeman
Please scroll down on the right side of the SCPS webpage to find the dashboard above the Twitter messages. Beginning next week, the button will be at the top of our update.
Teacher Phone Calls
Because we are not starting this week, we have time to check if the information we have is correct and then compare it to the county. Teachers will be calling all families tomorrow to introduce themselves to their new students or share if your child is not moving, and if they are assigned to Team A or Team B, hybrid or virtual, and the type of transportation selected. We hope that you are able to answer and confirm our information.
NO CURBSIDE MEAL SERVICE AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Message from Brian Williams
Director of School Nutrition
MEAL SERVICE CHANGES BEGINNING MONDAY 10/26/2020
Beginning Monday, October 26, 2020 SCPS will move all curbside meal distribution from the elementary schools and relocate them to a secondary school. We are opening additional secondary school curbside sites to accommodate our virtual K-5 students, who may continue to pick up meals. SCPS will also adjust its bus meal sites as bus drivers are needed to transport our elementary students.
BUS MEAL SITES HAVE CHANGED!! PLEASE USE THE LINK FOR UPDATED COMMUNITY BUS STOP MEAL SERVICE SITES.
CURBSIDE SERVICE AT SCHOOL:
AM CURBSIDE SERVICE 10:30a – 1:00p
Drew Middle School
Dixon Smith Middle School
Gayle Middle School
Shirley Heim Middle School
Brook Point High School
Colonial Forge High School
Mountain View High School
North Stafford High School
PM CURBSIDE SERVICE 5:00p – 6:30p
Colonial Forge High School
Stafford High School
Return to School on November 9th
Affordable Home Broadband Internet Access Programs
If you are looking for affordable internet access, there are a couple programs that offer home broadband Internet access for qualifying families.
Comcast Internet Essentials Provides qualifying students and their families with affordable broadband Internet, a laptop computer, and digital literacy training.
Link: https://internetessentials.com/apply
Cox Connect2Compete Provides affordable broadband Internet service to qualifying households in the service area for two years.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?
Special Education: Contact Kara Colucci (Assistant Principal)
English as a Second Language: Contact Michelle Dodd (ESOL Lead Teacher)
Focus Program: Contact Paulah Lee (Focus Teacher)
Health Services: Contact Becky Diaz (Nurse)
School Guidance: Contact Elizabeth Jenkins (Kdg - 2nd grade)
School Guidance: Contact Molly Finch (3rd - 5th grade)
Computer Technician: Contact Sabrina McAlister (CTT)
Instructional Technology Resource Teacher: Contact Jennifer Wolfenbarger (ITRT)
Registration: Contact Julie Little (Registrar)
School Concerns: Contact Bob Freeman (Principal)
Ferry Farm Elementary School
Email: rfreeman@staffordschools.net
Website: https://www.staffordschools.net/FFES
Location: 20 Pendleton Road, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: 5403737366
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FerryFarmES
Twitter: @FerryFarmES