Dolphinfo
Volume 26, May 17, 2020
Principal's Message - Hang In There, The Year Is Almost Over
As the year winds down and the ELP comes to an end, rather than spending time knowing that you still have assignments, a presentation, an essay due, look at the bright spots in all of your tasks. Buckle down and take things bit by bit to complete these last few assignments.
If motivation is something that you are lacking, concentrate on finishing off the year on a positive note and (hopefully as things open back up) being able to enjoy the summer. I know that since March 13th, school has taken its toll on you – mentally, physically, and emotionally. It would be easy to throw in the towel and stop caring. Instead, realize that you've been putting in a lot of work for months, so try to muster the strength for a few more weeks.
Work wisely, squeeze in some time to take your mind off of school work, and think of the plans ahead when the year is finally over! You have done such a great job navigating through the challenges caused by the coronavirus. I hope you know how much I appreciate the work you have done.
Jostens Cap, Gown, Honor Stole and Tassel Pickup
Jostens will be hosting another pickup date for Caps, Gowns, and Graduation Announcements on May 28th between 5:30-7:00 p.m. at their Independence Blvd location. Students or parents can pick up Honor Graduate stoles and tassels on June 9th between 5:30-7:00 p.m. These pickups will also be at the Independence Blvd location. If you have any questions, please email Eric Harvell at
Summer School
As indicated last week, VBCPS is committed to offering summer learning options for students at all levels. The current planning includes mostly virtual or remote learning for the students involved. As I receive more information, I will share plans with you.
Plans for Graduation
The anticipation and excitement our seniors felt as they progressed through their final semester of high school were swept away as our schools closed. We will never replace all that they lost, but hopefully, the experiences we can provide will produce lifetime memories. Details should be published this week
School Year 2020-2021
As this year ends, it is natural to look forward, which explains why so many are asking "What is going to happen to school in the fall?" When it comes to the 2020-2021 school year, the decision on how education will progress is dependent on keeping students and staff safe and healthy. The ultimate decision falls to Governor Northam, who leans on the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Education for guidance. However, VBCPS is being proactive while we wait for that guidance. The division is actively planning for various scenarios and developing contingencies for opening schools within those scenarios. Last week, Dr. Spence shared where VBSchools is in that planning. With input from select stakeholders, VBCPS is working on three main possibilities for the 2020-2021 academic year. These scenarios are what school systems across the Commonwealth are considering, so we are confident that one of these will be what we are facing.
- Scenario 1
Schools reopen as close to what we think of as normal, without significant physical distancing or other public health mitigation strategies. This scenario would mean that there has been a near-total decline in COVID19 cases, and health authorities have determined that it is safe to resume gatherings of more than 10 people. - Scenario 2
School buildings reopen with physical distancing and/or other public health mitigation strategies in place. This plan would likely include a combination of some face-to-face instruction for students, along with remote learning. This is probably the most complex of the scenarios, as the possible variations are many, with each one having its own set of operational, logistical, and financial considerations and challenges. - Scenario 3
Schools would remain closed, as they have been since March 17. Our Emergency Learning Plan (ELP) would shift to a Remote Learning Plan within a nearly all-virtual environment. Elements of the ELP would be bolstered and enhanced to ensure we provide high quality and rigorous experiences for all our learners. This would resemble something closer to what might be experienced in school while recognizing the challenges we face while doing so remotely.
I am sure you will have questions about what these might look like in more detail. As I receive information from DOSL in the coming weeks, I will update you regarding how we will move forward. No matter what direction we take, I know there will be challenges for us all. I also know there is no perfect solution. But I know that the OLHS Faculty and Staff will continue to do everything possible to assist our Dolphin family with whatever is needed to ensure a productive learning experience for our students.
Schoology and Digital Learning One-to-One Initiative Evaluations
Tomorrow the division will launch a survey data collection effort for the evaluation of the school division's Schoology implementation and Digital Learning One-to-One Initiative. The Digital Learning One-to-One Initiative evaluation will focus on student and staff perceptions of the digital learning experience using the devices assigned to students by the schools. Data will be interpreted within the context of the school closure as the Continuity of Learning and Emergency Learning plans were implemented. The student survey will be administered online. The window will extend from Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 29. The student survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. On Monday, May 18, ORE staff will be posting a message with the survey link through each school's Schoology student group to notify students to complete the survey. The secondary student survey will be available at the link below and will open May 18 and remain open through Friday, May 29. Note: All surveys will be unavailable Saturday, May 23, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. due to scheduled maintenance.
Ocean Lakes Football Coach Delivers T-Shirts to Players
Below is a link to a nice article about our football coach, Joe Jones.