SCPS IMPACT
November 15, 2020 Edition
Message from the Superintendent
Thank you for your support and patience this week as we experienced unusual inclement weather challenges. We also apologize for the last minute postponement of Thursday’s Family Connection webinar due to technical difficulties.
As we move into week 6 of the hybrid learning model, I want to thank all of our community stakeholders for continuing an on-going conversation in real time regarding what is working and what needs adjustment or improvement moving forward. Please know that we value and utilize the feedback on a daily and weekly basis.
On Friday, Governor Northam announced updated guidance for mitigating increasing cases of COVID-19 throughout the state. At this moment, we believe that there is minimal impact on our current model of hybrid in-person learning. Our current health plan includes the mask requirement, and we do not believe that the updated public gathering restrictions will impact us at this time. However, we will be continuing to gain clarification from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) early this week. Should any adjustments need to be made in alignment or compliance with the recent orders, we will communicate those right away.
Below are a few additional reminders:
Announcements & Reminders
Last Monday, November 9th, staff provided an update regarding the Return to Learn Hybrid In-Person Instructional model. Please see the attached presentation that was shared with the Board and community.
November 16th marks the beginning of the 2021-2022 (FY22) budgeting process with a Pre-Budget Work Session that starts at 5:00. This meeting is available to view electronically and with limited seating at the School Board Office. The school board will also discuss and ultimately approve the use of FY2020 carryover funding.
Student devices have started to arrive! We have received a little over 1,200 chromebooks, which were delivered to 8 of our elementary schools. Instructional technology technicians are preparing the devices to provide to students. We also anticipate receiving another shipment next week bringing us closer to the 8,500 ordered in July.
We emailed information about the annual Impact Aid Form to all parents. If you have not already done so, please complete the docusign form that you received by email. The School Division receives funding for students who have parents that are in the military or work on a federal government property based on the Impact Aid forms that are completed. Thank you for your assistance.
Spotsylvania County continues to fall in moderate ranges (per VDH) in the 14 day averages in two key indicator areas: Percent Positivity and Cases per 100,000. Along with cases identified in our own school division, we monitor this data in cooperation with the local VDH. Though we are implementing the mitigation strategies, we continue to monitor this data closely given the increases in these and other indicators, not only locally, but throughout the state. As a reminder, our COVID-19 Dashboard is updated weekly and can be viewed in the Return to Learn section on each school’s website or by clicking this link: SCPS COVID-19 Dashboard. We have added to our webpage the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Dashboard link. This site provides data and statistics regarding COVID-19 positivity rates and cases per 100,000 by locality, region, and state. We continue to remain in moderate ranges according to the 14 day averages.
Have a great week!
Dr. S. Scott Baker
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