SCPS IMPACT
June 26, 2020 Edition
Message from the Superintendent
This week the Return to Learn Task Force subcommittees were hard at work developing strategies and recommendations for fall opening. Understanding that throughout the state, some school division’s are releasing draft plans to their communities for feedback, I want to provide some reminders of our timeline, where we are in the process, and what to expect over the next two weeks:
Formal guidance from the Governor and VDOE was foundational in building our process as was initiating a survey to be used at the front end of planning. We do anticipate that additional surveying may be necessary that is more targeted to the execution of educational services prior to starting our school year.
Following two intensive weeks of Task Force/Focus Group work, we will be receiving reports on Monday. Our drafting of a plan that can be as clear and effective as possible is on-going. During the first full week of July, the draft plan will be shared and vetted through division/building leaders and the entire Task Force prior to sharing it with the School Board on July 13th.
We understand that some school divisions have already determined a need to delay the official start of the school year. Though we also may have to recommend to the board adjusting our calendar, we want to be sure that we have as much clarity as possible regarding how that time will be used to better position us to begin an unprecedented school year. While a hybrid plan that includes both in-person and remote learning options is what is being predominantly unveiled in other places so far, we remain focused on the process we are presently engaged in to support the diverse learning needs of our students in what will continue to be a fluid environment.
Resource costs, professional development/training needs, and communication and community engagement considerations are also being developed to support needed capacity to meet the needs of our students, staff, and families in whatever “Phase” we are in as it relates to COVID-19.
We continue to receive so much support, good will, and thoughtful feedback from our staff, parents, and students. While I know that we would prefer to not be in the position we are in right now, I still believe that we are finding the collaboration and partnership to be invaluable and rewarding.
Given that next weekend is a holiday weekend, there will not be a Friday communication on July 2nd. However, the following week you will receive a draft plan for fall reopening that will be shared with the school board the following Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
S. Scott Baker
Superintendent of Schools
Courtland High Wins VDOE 2020 CTE Creating Excellence Award
The Cougar Zone school-based enterprise provides opportunities for marketing students to learn about inventory control, buying and merchandising, promotional material design, customer service and personal sales. The enterprise has grown and now includes social media promotions, credit card payment through Square, and additional inventory. The store was renovated to include new lighting, mannequins, Apple pay, and fixtures.
Congratulations Cougars!
FREE Summer Enrichment Program - Week 4 June 29-July 3
Get ready for a totally new summer enrichment opportunity! 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. These free weekly modules will be broadcast daily, Monday through Friday, from June 8 through July 30. 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.
Elementary Module #4: While About Art!
Get ready to go on a wild art safari! This week you’ll learn about artist Henri Rousseau and get step by step instructions for drawing four different wild animals. Go bananas for the monkey craft and get your paws on some scrap paper for the tiger collage!
Suggested supplies: pencil, scissors, glue, markers, watercolor or paint, paint brushes, permanent marker, crayons, white paper, construction paper, and animal handouts found on the Google site.
Middle School: Module #4: Environmental Awareness
What do you know about the Chesapeake Bay and the Rappahannock River Watershed? Would you like to learn more? Join us this week to learn about both as the Friends of the Rappahannock help us learn some fun facts, some issues, and some ways that you can help protect our watershed right in your own backyard. Also included are opportunities to participate in some online games and simulations to clean a stream and identify macroinvertebrates using a dichotomous key.
Summer Office Hours for Schools & Sites - Closed July 1st & 2nd
Schools and sites are open to the general public Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please note - offices will be closed July 1st and 2nd in observance of the July 4th holiday. We are practicing social distancing and safety measures. Please wear a face covering. If you are sick, please contact your child's school to reschedule any appointments. Thank you for your support.
All Students are Eligible for Summer Meals!
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.
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