Cheetah Chronicles
Mid-Summer Update: July 16th
Happy Thursday to our Cheetah families! I know that you most likely received an update from WCPSS, but I wanted to share some time-sensitive information with you about enrollment in the Virtual Academy (VA), new information about the face covering requirements for elementary students, and updates on the return to Holly Springs. I hope this information helps you make the best decision for your family during this season of uncertainty.
WCPSS Virtual Academy Updates: Open House
As you are aware of by now, WCPSS is offering a Virtual Academy for families who wish to take advantage of this 100% online option. This choice will allow your children to engage in the same curriculum as face-to-face students and follow the same school calendar. Instruction will include “live” teaching, as well as videos and independent assignments. If you apply, there is an opportunity to request a computer and internet access if needed.
To help answer questions about the virtual academy, WCPSS will host a virtual open house about this option TODAY, July 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. You can submit your specific questions for the open house via this Google form. The forum will address those questions that have been the most common among the WCPSS community.
Attend the Open House on Thursday beginning at 5:30 PM by clicking here:www.youtube.com/user/WakeCountySchools. It will also be archived on the WCPSS YouTube channel.
I also encourage you to visit the website for additional details and registration information. The Frequently Asked Question section has recently been updated to provide answers to the questions WCPSS staff are getting asked the most. Also, please remember that the registration is open through Monday, 7/20. You can access the website here: WCPSS Virtual Academy
Face Coverings
Tuesday, in his announcement about the reopening of schools, Governor Cooper shared new information regarding elementary children and face coverings. The previous information we had was that face coverings would be optional for elementary, and mandatory for middle and high school. (Employees are also required to wear face coverings.) Here is the information we received:
“All students will be expected to wear face coverings when they are anywhere on school grounds and while traveling on buses, vendor transportation or other WCPSS vehicles. Exemptions will still be allowed for individuals who cannot tolerate a face covering due to developmental, medical, or behavioral health needs or due to a sincerely held religious belief. The state announced it will provide five face coverings for every K-12 student and school employees.”
Return to School Additional Information
I know that you have a lot of questions about the return to school. We are waiting on additional information as well so we can begin to plan for the new school year. Right now, some of the areas that we are waiting on more information include kindergarten staggered entry, as well as guidelines for recess, lunch, and specials classes. We are also expecting some information in the coming days for our adjusted bell schedule, as we know that we will have 15 minutes added to our school day to make up for the days of instruction that were lost when we were unable to start in July. Once we get this information, we can then finalize some plans and share that information with you.
As previously shared, students who return to school on Plan B will be in school one week and then work remotely for two weeks.
Timeline for Decisions
Google Meet Parent Opportunities to discuss School Reopening Plans
We know you have lots of questions and concerns about next year and your options. We are here to help and assist you in making the best decision for your family. Join the Holly Springs Elementary School Administration Team to learn more about your options. If you have specific questions that you would like addressed in this Google Meet, please submit those HERE prior to the Google Meet Sessions.
*Once you have clicked to join the meeting, you will be placed in a holding room until a staff member allows you to enter the meeting.
*Sessions are limited to the first 250 participants. If we exceed capacity, we will offer another session at a later date.
*If you have trouble logging in to/joining the meet, please email Ms. Pickrel at apickrel@wcpss.net with a phone number she can contact you at. She will be monitoring her email throughout both events.
Google Meet Sessions:
Kindergarten-2nd Grade:
Friday, July 17th @ 10:00am
https://meet.google.com/ruo-arsv-xjo
Join by Phone: (US) +1 334-641-0404 PIN: 308 726 978#
Third Grade-Fifth Grade:
Friday, July 17th @ 10:45am
https://meet.google.com/sxa-rron-vpf
Join by Phone: US) +1 513-781-9138 PIN: 827 958 945#
Return to School Information for Spanish Speaking Families
Resumen del Guía de Regreso Escolar Completo: https://youtu.be/xvKlohNnog8
Los Padres de WCPSS obtendrán información sobre el Guía de Regreso Escolar 2020-21
Plan B De Instrucción Combinada Para El Año Escolar 2020-2021 https://youtu.be/ZXHPGoGrxG0
Los padres recibirán información sobre el Plan “B” de Instrucción Combinada que se llevara a cabo para el Año Escolar 2020-21
Información de la Academia Virtual: https://youtu.be/Vpg65ZuV1hQ
Los padres de WCPSS se informarán sobre la Academia Virtual de WCPSS y cuál es el proceso para aplicar.
1. Plan B de Instrucción Combinada para el Año Escolar 2020-2021.
Los padres recibirán información sobre el Plan B de Instrucción Combinada para el Año Escolar 2020-2021. https://youtu.be/PWnOgBUmlFY
2. Información sobre la Academia Virtual de WCPSS
Los padres de WCPSS se informarán sobre la Academia Virtual de WCPSS y cuál es el proceso para aplicar. https://youtu.be/Vpg65ZuV1hQ
3. Requisito de Revisión de Salud para Entrar la Escuela
Los padres recibirán información sobre el proceso de la revisión de salud para que los estudiantes puedan entrar al escuela todos los días. https://youtu.be/Ze387GwqVVg
4. Requisitos de Revisión de Salud para Abordar el Autobús
Los padres recibirán información sobre el proceso que los estudiantes tienen que seguir para poder abordar el autobús escolar todos los días. https://youtu.be/TfezbihTRIA
5. Requisitos sobre el Protector Facial, Distanciamiento Social y Lavado de Manos
Los padres recibirán información sobre los requisitos que los estudiantes tienen que seguir con el protector facial, distanciamiento social y levado de manos. https://youtu.be/GAbEVXldeag
6. Resume del Guía de Regreso Escolar 2020-21
Resume del Guía de Regreso Escolar 2020-21 https://youtu.be/xvKlohNnog8
School Messenger Updates
You can opt-in to receive School Messenger updates via text message by texting YES to the shortcode 67587 or replying with a YES to the opt-in text message we will send to your phone.
More information on School Messenger, including how to manage the manner and devices you get messages delivered to you, can be found here.
Did you miss Yearbook Distribution?
Office Hours:
Tuesdays from 8:00-2:30
Wednesdays: 9:00-3:00
Holly Springs Elementary School Office Hours
Please be aware that during the school closure, access to our school remains limited as cleaning and preparations for the new school year are in full swing. However, should you have school business that must be handled in person, please be aware of the school Office Hours:
Tuesdays: 8:00-2:30
Wednesdays: 9:00- 3:00
These hours will remain in place until students are back in the building for learning or until an alternate announcement has been made. Please reference the face covering requirements below and know that in order to protect our staff and for your safety, a mask must be worn while on campus. Please also limit individuals entering the building with your party to only those necessary for the visit.
Face Coverings Mandatory in North Carolina
Starting Friday at 5 p.m., North Carolina will require* face coverings of your choice for all Central Office staff and school staff, adult visitors, and children 11 years-old and older when they are or may be within six feet of another person, including:
- inside school buildings and anywhere on school grounds, including outside;
- while traveling on buses or other WCPSS vehicles; and
- at all WCPSS work sites.