Schedules
Not everything has changed, but you will see that there are several new procedures for the year. One thing that is also new is that we actually have TWO first days of school this year. For students attending school in person on the hybrid (or A/B) schedule, Tuesday, September 8 is a B day. Only those students scheduled for B days, or Tuesday and Thursday, will report to school on Tuesday. If your child is on the A day schedule (Monday and Wednesday), their first day is Wednesday, September 9. So we get to see two days of Back to School pictures on social media this year!
The attachment to this message includes the following schedules:
• PreK through 3rd Grade Hybrid
• PreK through 3rd Grade Temporary Remote
• Prek through 3rd Grade Virtual
• Grades 4-12 Temporary Remote
• Grades 4-12 Virtual
Symptom Checker
For students attending school in person, the Symptom Checker document should be referred to each day before coming to school. To keep everyone safe and healthy, we need to all do our part to prevent the spread of germs, which is why it is important to keep your child home if they are sick.
What Will Look Different
Another resource for in-person learning is the What Will Look Different document. It covers many of the safety procedures IWCS has in place from the moment they get on the bus until the end of the school day.
Accessing Online Assignments
Teachers will be using the Canvas learning management system to post all of their course information. Students can access Canvas and other resources by logging in to Clever. Directions for logging in can be found in the Connect for Success document.
Bus Routes
Bus routes are now posted for PreK-3 students on the hybrid schedule. Routes are designated by school and day (A or B). Routes are posted on the IWCS website at: https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/apps/pages/busroutes
Connecting to the Internet
We have families that do not have internet, or reliable internet, and are concerned with how their children will participate in online activities. Teachers will be recording their Zoom sessions and adding these videos, and other resources, to their classroom in Canvas. If students can connect to the internet at least once a week, they can download the videos and assignments to view and complete later, without internet. When they reconnect again, they can upload their completed assignments again and download the new material for the week.
The division is continuing to investigate ways to get internet to families without but we have not found a successful solution at this time. We tested hot spots in multiple areas of the county but could not maintain reliable service at any locations. We are still researching other options and working with the Board of Supervisors for a long term solution for all citizens of the county. Until other options are available, we have boosted the WiFi signal at all of our schools so student devices can connect from the parking lots. There are also buses placed throughout the community with internet hot spots. There is a document in the attachment that shows where families can find free WiFi.
Meals
Today, September 3, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) approved the continuation of the summer meal program through December 18. Here’s what that means for your child:
PreK-3 on the Hybrid schedule:
--Students will be able to select a breakfast and lunch at no cost on the days they are in school. They will also be able to take home breakfasts and lunches for the days they are at home.
All Temporary Remote or Virtual Students:
--IWCS will distribute meals to families on Fridays at two locations—Georgie Tyler Middle School in Windsor and Smithfield High School—beginning September 11. Meals can be picked up from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Parents will receive 5 days-worth of breakfasts and lunches for each child.
Return to Learn Plan
The division’s plan for reopening schools can be found on the IWCS website at https://www.iwcs.k12.va.us/apps/pages/coronavirus
Labor Day
All Isle of Wight County Schools and Offices will be closed Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday.
We look forward to seeing your child(ren) next week!