Brabrand: No decision on graduation ceremonies

Brabrand

Every senior in good standing is going to graduate on time, said Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand during a live question-and-answer session April 4 on Facebook.

With schools closed until the end of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic, people brought up a wide range of issues on how the schools will continue to operate as all instruction will move online.

FCPS has received maximum flexibility from the state to ensure seniors in danger of failing a class before the schools closed will have every opportunity to pass the class, including extra time to bring up the grade, Brabrand said.

No decision has been made on graduation ceremonies, he said. “Non-virtual graduation ceremonies are not ruled out at this time,” but that depends on whether the stay-at-home rule will be extended.

He told seniors, “I share your sense of loss about losing things like prom, picnics, and end-of-year assemblies.” We are committed to “celebrating your accomplishments at the end of the year and providing graduation opportunities in some shape or form.”

Here are some of the other issues addressed by Brabrand:

Distance learning – Distance learning begins April 14 after spring break. Each school will develop a daily schedule for students within the next few days. FCPS has distributed thousands of laptops. If a student needs one or a MiFi internet device, they should contact their principal.

New work assignments won’t be graded, but “it’s important to complete your assignments. They will have an impact on your final grade.” Information on final exams for the fourth quarter will be available later.

Students should focus on “the love of learning and learning for the sake of learning.”

School budget – FCPS will develop a revised budget early next week based on an evaluation of the impact of the coronavirus epidemic. The school board is expected to make adjustments at its April 9 meeting.

Related story: Fairfax County expects huge revenue losses due to coronavirus

Social and emotional needs – The changes wrought by the pandemic affect students’ social and emotional wellbeing, as well as academics. Parents can request a 30-minute phone conversation with school counselors. See the mental health page on the FCPS website for more information.

Special needs – When distance learning starts, FCPS staff will identify students who will need additional support during the summer and the next school year. Special ed case managers will contact families about missed and future IEP meetings. Teachers will continue their work to support homebound children.

School meals – FCPS has provided more than 15,000 meals a day to children at school sites and school bus stops during the past few weeks. The meals program will continue every day 10 a.m.-1 p.m. during spring break, April 6-10. Parents no longer need to bring their children to pick up a meal.

School access – School buildings are closed but FCPS has been providing limited access to school staff to get things people absolutely must have, such as medication or special ed equipment.

Summer courses – Registration ends June 12 for summer courses. FCPS would like to provide summer enrichment programs, but there hasn’t been a decision on whether that will happen. The governor’s stay-at-home order has been extended to June 10 and that could be extended further.
Registration for credit recovery classes begins in late April, but FCPS hasn’t decided whether to hold these classes.

Driver’s ed – FCPS staff are working with high school principals to develop final guidance and create schedules to meet the state requirements for driver’s education. Behind-the-wheel training is canceled until further notice.

The 2020-21 school year – There are no plans to change the calendar for the next school year. Families can register for the coming year online even if they don’t have the necessary paperwork.