Fairfax County superintendent considers plan for reopening schools in the fall
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| Glasgow Middle School teachers reach out to students. |
Fairfax County Public Schools is looking at what to do about the fall semester – whether schools reopen but maintain social distancing, what to do if the coronavirus pandemic continues or there is a second wave, and how to provide options for families not ready to have their children attend school.
FCPS Superintendent Scott Brabrand spoke about the school system’s plans and other issues in a Facebook Live session May 4 hosted by at-large school board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer.
Brabrand said he will present his initial thinking about the summer and fall semesters at the school board’s work session on Monday, May 11.
Meanwhile, FCPS has successfully made the transition to distance learning after a rough two weeks when the school system suspended it after Blackboard 24-7 experienced multiple failures.
“What we learned is if something is not working, use something else,” he said. “We’ve got to be as flexible as we can.”
In response to questions about why FCPS hired the Hunton Andrews Kurth law firm to conduct an external audit of what went wrong with distance learning, Brabrand said FCPS needs to have “a third party put eyes on the process.”
Related story: FCPS to drop Blackboard Learn 24-7
“It’s important to build public trust and accountability,” he said. “We recognize the frustration. We want to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.”
“I can’t undo what was done,” Brabrand said. “My goal is to be as nimble and responsive as I can if we face something like this again.”
The experience with distance learning led Brabrand to recognize how much families want their children to have face-to-face time with their teachers. “We think a blend of face-to-face and on-demand learning is the best mix,” he said. “Distance learning will continue to be part of the landscape.”
Brabrand said FCPS will consider feedback from the community in determining how to go forward and also will work with leaders from surrounding jurisdiction to seek a consensus on reopening schools.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced a plan May 4 to begin lifting restrictions that were put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus. The plan calls for Phase I to start on May 15. The second phase, which would allow gatherings of up to 50 people, would start before the start of the school year, meaning there’s a possibility schools could reopen for the new school year. FCPS would consider whether an individual school should close if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID.
FCPS is getting more than $20 million in federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The school board hasn’t decided how to spend that money, but Brabrand said FCPS is looking at using the funds for technology, expenses associated with reopening schools, and social and emotional support for students.
Related story: Virginia to begin easing COVID restrictions next week
An FCPS work group is considering options for graduation, and a survey was sent to members of the Class of 2020 and their parents. Recommendations will be submitted to the board on May 11.
“There’s a lot of interest” in having some sort of graduation, although it’s important to consider safety, he said. “Students want to have some closure and connect with their friends again.”
No changes are planned for next year’s school calendar. FCPS will also consider health guidelines before making a decision on fall sports.
With regard to students who paid fees for field trips or other activities, Brabrand said, “we’ll do our best to get refunds to students.” Principals will be given information on how this will happen.
Related story: FCPS apologizes for distance learning failure
FCPS has convened another work group to come up with a plan for students who want to pick up personal items from their locker or classroom. That will likely happen in May or June and will follow social distancing guidelines. Students already picked up emergency items, such as medications.
In response to questions about why FCPS scheduled distance learning on alternate days for different grade levels, he said that was done because many families might have parents working at home and children of different ages sharing a single laptop.
The synchronous sessions also were limited to provide time for follow up and for office hours with teachers. Each school has its own schedule, but in general, middle schools have face-to-face time on Wednesdays and Fridays, and high schools have face-to-face time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Thank you Dr. Braband and all the teachers, principals, technology staff. After a few glitches, I as a parent of FCPS can say that my kids are now learning without any problems. Its a new situation and we all learn from our mistakes but we should embrace our mistakes, learn from it and keep pushing ahead and thats what FCPS has done.
Yes, we need to stay positive. The challenges FCPS faces in re-opening in the August will make the distance learning look relatively easy. We won't all agree with every decision that's made, but we need to think that they are being made with the best interests of the students in mind.
Yes I agree! I am a rising freshman in FCPS. I would like to go to a physical school location next year, but I also want to make sure everyone is safe. It is an *EXTREMELY* hard decision FCPS is going to have to make.
I mean come one, we are all tired of this quarantine the worse thing that FCPS can do is cancel in person school. I know its dangerous but there should be a alternative for in person school, this is a hard and stressful decision but this can start anxiety and depression and loneliness to some students by staying home and anti-social. I know that not everyone has a phone to communicate with friends so they feel alone and sad. I do think FCPS should think wisely based on the conditions, the students mental health that can damage them for the rest of there lives or there safety. Which will it be FCPS?