SCPS IMPACT
July 28, 2020 Edition
Message from the Superintendent
Today’s IMPACT is intended to provide updates regarding Return to Learn planning. As a reminder, on July 15, 2020, the School Board approved the recommended Return to Learn plan that included both hybrid (in-person learning and distance learning) and 100% distance learning options with the following specific modifications:
All students will begin the school year on August 17, 2020, via distance learning for the first nine week grading period.
Address connectivity challenges for students by opening up some schools as hubs for more equitable internet access.
I know that we all want to be back learning together in our schools as soon as possible. It also remains clear that there is no popular decision to be made given the challenges and implications regarding all potential courses of action. However, we continue to plan with a sustained sense of urgency as we focus on enhancing distance learning services. Below are a few additional updates and reminders that will greatly assist us in moving forward.
Return to Learn Plan Adjustments
Following the school boards’ modifications to the plan, our division team along with building leaders has been working diligently in adjusting and revising our plan accordingly. The updated Return to Learn plan is included here. Though we continue to plan and execute in a fluid environment, the revised document reflects the board’s approval of the primary components for the 2020-21 school year. This includes distance learning model schedules for each level, additional clarification and details in certain sections, and a link to our continued responses to many applicable questions regarding the plan. As we shared last week, this Return to Learn Q & A document is fluid and will be updated as additional questions are received as well as adjusted based on up-to-date guidance from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most recent CDC guideline adjustments are reflected in the Health & Safety procedures section.
Enrollment Verification Form
We have received close to 17,000 enrollment verification forms that include critical data from families such as hybrid versus distance learning preferences, transportation needs, and technology device/connectivity access. Even though we are not expecting to transition to the approved hybrid in-person learning model until the beginning of the second quarter, we must have this data to both develop this model and better support distance learning for every child and family. If you have not yet done so, please complete an enrollment verification form for your child/children. If you have additional questions, be sure to contact your child’s school.
One day these unprecedented challenges will be viewed in retrospect. The present frustration with our current situation by so many is felt and understood. Yet, in this moment, we intend as a service organization to embrace opportunities to improve and enhance our services to students and families. The Spotsy community I am proud to know, be a part of, and love will most certainly persevere and set the stage for a very bright future!
Sincerely,
S. Scott Baker
Superintendent of Schools
Enrollment Verification Form Directions
To facilitate the reopening of schools, SCPS will be utilizing ParentVUE to collect the necessary information to finalize plans. Please go to parent.spotsylvania.k12.va.us and click on “I am a Parent” to access ParentVUE.
In ParentVUE, directions on how to verify your student’s information can be found in the District Announcement section to the right of the sign-in window.
A copy of the ParentVUE directions can be found in this link as well. If you have any trouble completing this enrollment verification, please contact your child’s school.
Please complete this verification as soon as possible. If you have already completed the enrollment verification form, thank you for your support.
Summer Food Distribution Program Ends August 13
SCPS is distributing FREE breakfast and lunch grab and go bags to all children age 18 years and under as well as to any enrolled student who participates in SCPS support services programs, such as REACH. There is no income restriction to receive meals.
Summer Food Distribution will take place at 16 school sites will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to Noon. Students will receive three days of food on Mondays and four days of food on Thursdays. For more details, visit the division's website at https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/Page/5001. The last distribution date for the summer program will be August 13, 2020.
FREE Summer Enrichment Program - Ends July 31
The last week of the FREE summer enrichment program is July 27-31. Tune in to Spotsylvania's Educational Television (ETV) channel (Comcast Channel 17, Cox Channel 18, or Verizon Channel 36) to watch weekly enrichment classes on a variety of topics for grades K-8. Coding Dojo, Imagineering, Knitting, Creative Cooking, Japanese, and the 5 C's Challenge are just a few of the course offerings! Additional materials and suggested supply lists are available on the Summer Enrichment Google Site. The elementary enrichment broadcast will run at 10:00 AM on the ETV channel. The middle school module broadcast will start at 1:00 PM each weekday. All videos will also be made available on the Summer Enrichment Google Site. Parents, please fill out our 2020 Summer Enrichment Parent Questionnaire so that we can get feedback on this year's summer enrichment program!
Elementary Module #8 "Backyard Chickens & Bees": Did you know that many people have chickens and bees right in their backyard? Tune in to see what the BUZZ is about and to learn about raising chickens and bees and what they are used for. We'll talk about how to take care of them and the different reasons why you might want to have chickens and bees. Check out the learning menu to learn more about chickens and bees!
Middle Module #8 "Rocketry": This week, let’s BLAST OFF and explore a little of the universe. During this module we will learn about NASA, make our OWN rockets, explore the STARS, look at the UNIVERSE, go NEW places, and do an escape room to survive an ASTEROID ATTACK. Let’s get started! 3...2...1…..Blast Off!
Materials for Rocket: construction paper, scissors, tape, plastic water bottle, cardboard, cork or bottle stopper that will pop off, vinegar and baking soda.
ES Module 8 - Backyard Chickens & Bees
Important Resources
RACSB 24-hour emergency mental health services: (540) 373-6876
The Fredericksburg Food Bank (540) 371-7666 is still providing food for families in addition to what we distribute at schools
The RACSB Spotsy office is able to offer virtual intake sessions and therapy appointments: 540-582-3980
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency number: (540) 507-7200
Virginia 211 offers local information about services, food/rent support, etc.: dial 211
Suicide hotline: 800-273-TALK
Substance abuse hotline: 800-662-HELP
Child Care Resource - call 1-866-KIDSTLC to find available child care in your area.
Stay Safe - How to Make a Face Covering
As of April 3, the CDC recommends that wearing cloth face coverings in public areas may help slow the spread of COVID-19. Below is guidance that you can download on how to make a cloth face covering and how to wear and clean it.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Email: webmaster@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Website: www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us
Location: 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: 540-834-2500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools/
Twitter: @SpotsySchools