FCPS outlines plan for summer programs

A message from Camelot Elementary School in Annandale.

Schools will continue distance learning for students during the summer along with targeted intervention services, according to an update from Fairfax County Public Schools. School buildings will remain closed in July. 

No decisions have been made about the 2020-21 school year, although several scenarios are being considered.

An extended school year will be provided to preK-12 students whose IEP (individual education program) team determines that the student qualifies for an extended year due to significant regression and loss of skills gained before schools were closed. 

Those students will receive distance learning services June 29-July 24. Printed packets will be mailed to their homes. 

Preschool students with autism will receive virtual learning July 2-July 30. Learning materials will be available online and in printed packets mailed to students. Staff members will offer virtual parent-coaching sessions. 

Credit recovery classes for high school students will occur via distance learning July 6-July 24. This free virtual program allows students to recover credit for a failed course or receive targeted intervention to support future success. Schools will be able to invite students who did not fail a course but who may need extra support. 

The FCPS Online Campus will be open to all students who want to take courses for new credit. Students will be in daily synchronous (live) communication with teachers. Tuition has been reduced to $375 for this summer. Students who have already registered will receive additional information about a refund.  

Students may also work with their school counselor for approval to complete a new course through a college or university or through another public or private school accredited by the Virginia Council for Private Education. An online, high school ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) summer program will also be offered; dates will be communicated soon. 

In addition, FCPS will offer free continuity of learning for students using self-directed digital materials available online. All students will have the opportunity to practice mathematics and literacy skills and participate in virtual office hours with math or language arts teachers for support and connection. More information will be provided before the end of the school year.  

ESOL Online: Language and Literacy Connections for current English learners in grades 7-12 will be held June 22-July 14 in two sessions. Students can participate 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 7-8 p.m. More information is available from ESOL teachers. 

Middle and elementary school students can focus on math and literacy using new self-directed print and digital materials June 29-July 31. Teachers will hold virtual office hours to provide support. A middle school ESOL online summer program will also be offered; dates will be announced soon. 

The following summer programs have been cancelled for 2020 due to building closures:

• Institute for the Arts
• Elementary Institute for the Arts
• CTE Career Academy
• CTE Summer Academy
• Bridge to PAC (SPED)
• Pathways to Preschool (SPED)
• Bridge to Kindergarten
• Young Scholars
• Curious Minds

Parents who registered a student for one of those programs will receive additional information about refunds. Staff members are continuing to develop additional optional summer programs in virtual format. Schools will provide more information.  

Discussions began this week with the School Board about a return-to-school plan for the school year scheduled to start Aug. 25.    

FCPS is awaiting guidance from the state about the possible required conditions that will need to be met for schools to reopen. FCPS also plans to seek input from stakeholder groups – parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators – in developing the return-to-school plan.

The considerations for returning to school include the need to:

• Ensure safe learning and working environments for students and staff.
• Provide options for students and staff unable to return to school or work.
• Comply with any social distancing requirements.
• Provide universal access to technology devices and internet services at home.
• Provide staff with adequate time and training to prepare for the new school year.
• Make decisions as soon as possible for scheduling and communication with families.

FCPS is preparing for a variety of possible scenarios including:

• Students will have a virtual start to the school year.
• Students will return to school with social distancing in place.
• School will open on time, but some students and staff may be unable to return and will participate through virtual learning.