SCPS IMPACT
July 10, 2020 Edition
Message from the Superintendent
When our school division entered spring break this past March, we had successfully completed a significant majority of our school year. Given the extraordinary levels of uncertainty and challenge produced by a global pandemic, our staff and school community came together in profound ways to continue fulfilling our mission, “Together, we prepare our students for their future.” Though not at all ideal, we navigated complex and fluid circumstances in order to continue serving the many diverse needs of our students, staff, and families. While there were important aspects of school that were lost, we seized the opportunity to also gain new insights and develop new capacities to better serve moving forward.
At this moment in time, we face an even more formidable challenge. Four months ago, there was a hope that by this time circumstances might be more stable, predictable, and solidified by guidance and conditions supporting a more “normal” beginning to the 2020-21 school year. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Though we are appreciative of the multitude of voluminous guidance considerations provided through many different sources, we must plan, implement, and assess our services in previously unforeseen ways; ways that are not going to be easy, comfortable, or embraced by many that we serve or serve alongside.
The draft proposal of our RETURN TO LEARN Fall 2020 planning reflects many hours, days, and weeks of planning. Formed through a Task Force/Focus Group process that involved intensive and painstaking deliberations, we believe we have identified an initial path forward in alignment with the guidance of local, state, and national health organizations. We want to provide viable and engaging opportunities for in-person learning and distance learning, balanced with ensuring that necessary safety protocols and conditions are in place.
As you review the plan linked below, you will note that there are two modes/options of instructional and service delivery being recommended to meet the conditions of Phase III of the Governor’s plan: 100% Distance Learning and Hybrid In-Person Learning. We realize in advance that the recommended plan will be carefully considered and scrutinized by our school board. We also recognize that our planning continues to occur in a fluid environment in which we must remain agile in our execution. Thank you in advance for working with your school and our school division in providing needed information in order for preparations to be expedited to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.
I believe that the most difficult challenges we face, often provide a choice between dwelling in the frustration of seemingly insurmountable circumstances or seizing the opportunity to learn and discover new possibilities for improving in terms of who we are and what we do. In remaining constant and focused on our mission, vision, and values, we will choose the latter and press forward.
Sincerely,
S. Scott Baker
Superintendent of Schools
Fall 2020 Recommended Plan Draft Presentation July 13
Additionally, we are developing a Frequently Asked Questions document to help address questions as we move forward with our planning. This information will be posted next week on our Division website.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Fall 2020 Enrollment Verification for All Students Due by July 22
To facilitate the reopening of schools, we 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 by July 22, 2020. Thank you for your support.
FREE Summer Enrichment Program - Week 6 July 13-17
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 #6 "Gardening": Have you ever wanted to step outside your door and pick fresh vegetables for you to eat? In this module, you'll learn how to start your own garden. Topics will include what plants need to grow, how to plant your garden, and different ways you can garden. Join us as we learn about growing our own food!
Supplies needed: Seeds, potting soil, and containers for plants.
Middle School Module #6 "Knitting": This week you’ll be introduced to the art of knitting. Not only will you learn what knitting is, but at the end of the module you’ll be able to cast a new project on your knitting needles and will be able to complete the knit and purl stitches. Get your yarn and needles ready to learn a new hobby!
Supplies needed: Knitting needles, yarn, tapestry needle, and scissors.
REMINDER - 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