FCPS gives families more time to choose virtual or in-person learning

FCPS officials answer questions from the public during a town hall. From the left: Jane Strong of the special education department, Superintendent Scott Brabrand, and Assistant Superintendent Sloan Presidio.

Fairfax County Public Schools is extending the deadline – from July 10 to July 15 – for families to decide whether they want in-person or virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year, Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced at a town hall on July 6. 

Many parents and teachers had complained that they didn’t have enough information to make an informed decision by July 10. 

Brabrand also said he will ask the school board to delay the first day of school from Aug. 25 to Sept. 8. Teachers will start the 2020-21 school year on Aug. 25 and use the extra days before students arrive for professional development and planning. The school year would not be extended in June.

Families have to choose between two options: (1) synchronous virtual learning four days a week or (2) two days in class with face-to-face instruction and two days of asynchronous online learning. 

Once families choose one of those options, that have to commit to it for the rest of school year. FCPS has to build two separate schedules this summer, so changes will be difficult, Brabrand said. 

If there’s an emergency, families can request a change, but FCPS can’t just let parents change back and forth from week to week or month to month, he said. 

If health conditions change dramatically and there’s a big surge in COVID-19 cases, the schools can move to an all-virtual model, Brabrand said. 

If a child is struggling with the instructional model that the family chose, they should reach out to the teacher or principal and ask for more support, he said. 

And if parents think their child might not be comfortable wearing a mask all day at school, he suggested having them try it for six hours and 45 minutes to see how that goes. That could help parents make a decision by July 15.  

Brabrand said he will release more details about certain issues later this week, including health protocols and how recess and school lunches will be handled. 

Both the in-person and virtual instruction will have the same required courses, the same grading, and the same testing, he said. The only difference is the delivery. 

FCPS will continue to provide specialized instruction for special education students and English language learners, as well as Level 4 advanced academics. 

Special ed students also have a choice between virtual or in-person learning, said Jane Strong, director of special education procedural support. Targeted interventions for students who have fallen behind will be scheduled for Mondays.

Both in-person and virtual learning will include emotional supports, and additional counseling services will be provided, said Sloan Presidio, assistant superintendent for instructional services.

While FCPS is trying to make sure both options will include as many courses as possible, “we can’t guarantee all courses will be available,” Presidio said. “AP, IB, and courses required for graduation are very important. We will work hard to make that happen.” 

Academy programs will be offered, but to what extent depends on feedback from parents and staff, he said. “We will do everything we can to have academy classes.”  

Some electives might not be offered at every school, Brabrand added, but that is true during a normal school year, too. “That will happen more frequently this year.” The type of classes offered will depend on how many students sign up and whether teachers are available. 

All students – including those in all-online programs – will be able to participate in extracurricular programs and sports, although there hasn’t been a decision yet on whether high school sports will be offered. 

Brabrand noted that Virginia’s state superintendent and health commissioner came out with new guidelines July 6 on social distancing in schools. 

Before, schools were required to maintain six feet of physical distance in the classroom. The new rules allow three feet of distancing if students wear face coverings. “This will provide additional flexibility,” Brabrand said.  

If a student shows up at school not wearing a mask, he said, school personnel will do a temperature check. Student with COVID symptoms will be sent to a school clinic or possibly an isolation room, and their parents will be asked to pick them up. 

Fairfax County has agreed to hire 200 more contact tracers to work with FCPS when a staff member or student tests positive. 

Whether FCPS decides to close a classroom, school, or group of schools will depend on whether the student who tested positive had been at school all day or just got off the bus and the extent to which the student had been in close contact with others. 

Brabrand acknowledged childcare is a critical issue – for employees as well as families. He said FCPS is working with the county to maximize partnerships with nonprofit organizations and the faith community on childcare.