Update FCCPS COVID-19 RESPONSE

FCCPS Principals are sharing their schools' e-learning plans for the weeks ahead.  In addition to sharing via email and Schoology, the plans are also found in the specific schools COVID-19 Information pages and in the FCCPS app.

JTP COVID-19

MD COVID-19

TJ COVID-19

MEH COVID-19

GM COVID-19

Superintendent Peter Noonan on Tuesday, shared the following updates on a variety of topics:

  • School days that are missed during the Governor’s ordered shut down will not need to be made up. Additionally, we do have some days “in the bank,” so if we continue to keep our buildings closed beyond the Governor’s order, we have some flexibility.
  • The SOL, AP, and IB testing timelines remain uncertain. We have been in contact with the VDOE, the College Board, and IB to gain some clarity, but they are working through the same issues we are. I suspect we will know more soon. At this point, if we are back in school and taking SOL exams, we will exercise the latest assessment window possible, but within our defined school year, to ensure we have the best opportunity for success. However, the VDOE is actively seeking waivers from the USDOE and we have been reassured by the State Superintendent that we should not worry about SOL testing at this point.
  • Graduation is still planned for June 10th. If this changes due to circumstances from COVID-19, we will communicate that as soon as possible.
  • To date, we have not contemplated extending the school year and June 17th will be the last day of school.
  • Today the principals at Mount Daniel and Thomas Jefferson will send out a communication about our plan to keep the learning going. Tomorrow Henderson and Mason will send a similar document. The communication will also identify who to contact if you are having trouble accessing the information. Please be on the lookout for that email.
  • School sites will remain closed for cleaning and maintenance. If, however, you absolutely must get something from a locker or classroom, please contact your principal, and they will make arrangements after Wednesday.
  • If your family has any food/nutrition or other needs during this time please reach out to your school’s Social Worker via email or phone. Their contact information can be found on our FCCPS website at FCCPS Food/Nutritional Support and on your student’s individual school website.
  • Our schools will be communicating about how we are supporting our Special Education students, students with 504 plans, and our ESOL students. Your student’s case manager will be reaching out directly to families over the next few days for details on the support that will be provided. Please visit the FCCPS Special Education, 504, ESOL Support Page for additional updates beginning Thursday morning.
  • Our leadership continues to remain in close contact with Fairfax County Public Health. Please reach out to your healthcare provider or contact the FCHD call center with questions at 703-267-3511. At this point, we have no community transmission or exposures being investigated by FCHD related to our schools. We will continue to provide factual information and transparent communication regarding this, as we have from the beginning of this public health crisis. We are committed to sharing accurate information, as we follow requirements for confidential information.
  • It is so important that we all adhere to the Virginia Department of Health, Fairfax County Health Department and CDC guidelines for social/physical distancing. Please reconsider playdates and gathering in large groups. This includes visiting playgrounds, parks, and sports fields. This can be hard for families, but if we support each other in this effort we help to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • Ongoing communication and education regarding schools will be vital to our collective success. There are multiple avenues to get the latest information from FCCPS. Our website, www.fccps.org, and the FCCPS App are our clearinghouses for information on both systemwide and school-specific importance. We will also provide updates through email, SMS text messaging, and through our various social media channels, including Twitter and Facebook.
  • The School Board work session scheduled for tonight has been postponed until next Wednesday, March 25, 2020. To ensure we are compliant with the open meetings laws, we will stream the meeting on YouTube and likely provide a call-in number for anyone who would like to listen in. We will send more information as the rescheduled meeting gets closer. If you wish to speak at upcoming regular School Board meetings, please contact Marty Gadell at gadellm@fccps.org. Speaking will be done via the call-in number.

Thank you all for your continued support during this unprecedented time. A special shout out to our the FCCPS Education Foundation who raised $17,000 to support our community. They, along with the school’s PTAs, will be doing additional fundraising for families in case these closures continue beyond Spring Break. What a beautiful community of care coming together as one.

As a reminder, you can expect an update from me on Tuesdays and Fridays. Some will be more robust than others so thank you in advance for taking the time to read them.