PUE Reopening of School Information
July 9, 2020
Principal's Message
Our staff cannot wait to see students and families again! We miss you all and look forward to kicking off the 2020-2021 school year. As you know, last Thursday, the WCPSS Board of Education approved a plan to return to school in August that would be a blend of in-person and remote instruction.
Under this plan, known as Plan B, students will be assigned to groups (1, 2, or 3). Siblings will be in the same groups. Groups will attend school in an ongoing rotation by attending school in person for one week and receiving remote instruction for two weeks. The school district will assist schools in placing students in groups because social distancing requirements impact a number of factors, such as the number of students that can ride the bus at one time.
Furthermore, remote learning will be different than what we experienced in the spring. The district received parent feedback regarding remote learning. Based on this data, a number of changes will be made. Remote learning will involve more teacher and student interaction. Attendance will be monitored. Please note that Plan B offers smaller groupings of students to allow for response to learning needs and supports. The Board of Education also approved a recommendation to move all year-round students to Track 4 for the duration of Plan B, View 2020-21 Track 4 calendar. The school year will begin on Aug. 17.
For additional updates on health, safety, and district expectations as we return to school, please visit this link for information from WCPSS. Specific information regarding face coverings, bus screening requirements, campus screening requirements, social emotional health, and much more.
Announcements
WCPSS Virtual Academy
I am excited to share that WCPSS will offer K-12 families a fully online model for instruction next year. Virtual Academy will provide access to an additional instructional option for students where health concerns exist with returning to the school building. Or families could select this option based on a preference for the flexibility of the remote learning model. Additionally, this will offer a personalized learning environment that provides students with rigorous, standards aligned learning opportunities in an online setting. Lessons will be engaging, innovative, and exciting for students. Families must commit to at least one semester, with a recommendation of a one-year commitment. To the degree possible, Pleasant Union students who elect to participate in the Virtual Academy will be taught by Pleasant Union teachers. More information will is available at www.wcpss.net/Virtual-Academy, including information on AIG, 504, and IEP supports in Virtual Academy.
Families can apply for Virtual Academy beginning July 10.
Class Lists/Teacher Assignments
Teacher Assignments and class lists will not be finalized until late July or early August. A number of factors impact the release of this information. The number of students who enroll in the Virtual Academy will impact staffing and assignment of class rosters. Given the fact that some Pleasant Union teachers will staff the Virtual Academy, your child could have a different teacher than who you anticipated they would have. Additionally, Governor Cooper could decide that schools may open on Plan A. This could potentially change our school back to a multi-track year round calendar. Or, the Governor could decide that schools will open up on Plan C, which would be a fully online model. Please know we are working diligently to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Summer Hours for Parent Pick Up of Student Materials from the 2019-2020 School Year
7/14 - 12:00-4:00
7/16 - 8:00-12:00
7/21 - 12:00-4:00
7/23 - 8:00-12:00
7/28 - 12:00-4:00
7/30 - 8:00-12:00
This will be the last opportunity to pick up student materials from the previous year before they are discarded so that we can prepare for the upcoming school year.
2019-2020 Yearbooks
Lifetouch is still working to complete our yearbook orders for last school year. Operations have been impacted due to the number of employees who are able to work at the manufacturing facility due to COVID-19. We hope yearbooks will arrive in August.
Parent Teacher Association
If you are interested in serving in a leadership role on the PUE PTA, please contact Sarah Gupta at sarahgold2003@yahoo.com
Mark Your Calendar
Virtual Academy Application Opens
Monday, August 17
School year begins for students