Return to Learn: Plan for a Safe Return 2020-2021
Oct. 13: Message from the Superintendent, Return to Learn Postponement
FAQ: Hybrid Return to Learn
Posted: October 7, 2020
Intent Form
How do I access and complete the intent form?
Getting Started – Multiple Children
For instructions on accessing and completing the Student Intent Form please click the link below:
ParentVue Intent Selection Instructions
After logging into ParentVue, click “Student List” and select a child. Click “Student Info” then “Edit Information” to complete the form. Repeat this process for every child. Click “Save Changes” and your information will be submitted.
Getting Started – One Child
For instructions on accessing and completing the Student Intent Form please click the link below:
ParentVue Intent Selection Instructions
After logging into ParentVue, click “Student Info” then “Edit Information” to complete the form. Click “Save Changes” and your information will be submitted.
If I do not have a ParentVue account, what should I do?
Parents and caregivers without access to ParentVUE should contact their child’s school to create an account and complete the Intent Form.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the Hybrid Model?
Contact your child(ren)’s school.
How is the Hybrid Model organized?
Instruction
What is the Phased Hybrid Return to Learn Timeline?
- Phase 1: Monday, October 19: Special Populations (Self-Contained and English Language Learners: Newcomers/Transitions)
- Phase 2: Monday, October 26: Grades Pre-K-2
- Phase 3: Thursday, November 5: Grades 3-6
- Phase 4: Monday, November 16: Grades 7-8
- Phase 5: Grades 9-12, TBD
What are the modified operating hours for in-person instruction?
Early Childhood Centers:
- 7:35-1:50: Marshall, PK and K
- 7:50-2:05: Lee Hall
- 10:15-4:30: Watkins
- 10:20-1:20: Gatewood PEEP (A.M.)
1:25-4:25: Gatewood PEEP (P.M.)
PEEP:
- Gatewood PEEP: A.M. 10:20-1:20 and P.M. 1:25-4:25
- Schedule B Schools: A.M. 8:30-11:45 and P.M. 11:50-3:05
- Schedule C Schools: A.M. 9:50-1:05 and P.M. 1:10-4:25
- Denbigh: A.M. 10:25-1:25 and P.M. 1:30-4:30
- Marshall: A.M. 7:45-10:45 and P.M. 10:50-1:50
A Schools:
- Middle Schools - 7:10-1:55: Dozier and Passage
- High Schools - 7:10-1:55: Denbigh, Heritage, Menchville, Warwick, and Woodside
B Schools:
- Elementary - 8:30-3:05: Carver, Discovery STEM, Epes, General Stanford, Hidenwood, Jenkins, Kiln Creek, McIntosh, Sanford
- Middle School - 8:25-3:10: Crittenden, Gildersleeve, Hines, Huntington
C Schools:
- Elementary School - 9:50-4:25: Charles, Deer Park, Dutrow, Greenwood, Hilton, Lee Hall, Nelson, Newsome Park, Palmer, Richneck, Riverside, Saunders, Sedgefield, Yates
- Middle School - 9:45-4:30: Booker T. Washington
An Achievable Dream (Elementary, Middle, and High):
- 8:40-4:45: Grades 3-5
- 8:25-4:30: Grades 6-10
- 8:25-3:15: Grades 11-12
Note: This is a student schedule.
Will my child(ren) need to bring their device to and from school?
Yes, students should bring their fully-charged device and headphones on their in-person days.
How is learning organized on (M/T or Th/Fri) in-person days for PK-5 students?
Students come to school for in-person instruction two days each week.
How is learning organized on Wednesdays for PK and elementary students?
On Wednesday mornings, identified students will engage in virtual small group instruction. All students will work independently to complete assignments in Canvas. The afternoons are reserved for teachers’ professional learning and instructional planning. At-home learning days will end at 11:00 am.
How is learning organized on (M/T or Th/Fri) at-home days for PK and elementary students?
All students will work independently to complete assignments in Canvas. Identified students will engage in virtual small group instruction. At-home learning days will end at 11:00 am.
What is the daily hybrid schedule for middle school students?
A and B Start Schools: Sample Middle School Schedules
C Start School: Booker T. Washington
What is the daily hybrid schedule for high school students?
A Start School: Sample High School Hybrid Schedule
Multi-Start School: An Achievable Dream Middle and High School
How is learning organized for secondary students in the hybrid model (2 days in-person)?
Students come to school two days each week (see schedules above)
How is learning organized on the Hybrid Model for at-home (independent learning) days?
On the two at-home independent learning days, students will complete assignments in Canvas.
How is learning organized on Wednesdays?
On Wednesday mornings, Identified students will engage in virtual small group instruction. Students will work independently to complete assignments in Canvas. Some lessons will be pre-recorded to guide students or include videos that relate to the lesson. There will also be opportunities for students to learn and practice on computer-based programs. In the afternoons, staff will engage in professional development, planning, and attend staff meetings.
Will students be reassigned to new teachers when the hybrid model begins?
In order to provide flexibility to students, parents, and staff, some teachers will be assigned to provide instruction in the hybrid model, and some teachers will be assigned to provide instruction in the virtual model. In specialty classes, where there is only one section per school, teachers may have students from multiple schools in a particular class.
If parents chose virtual option on the first intent, can I now change to the hybrid model?
Yes, if parents initially selected the virtual model, they may indicate a change to the hybrid model on the intent form.
How will students with disabilities be served?
Students with disabilities will continue to receive specially designed instruction as indicated in their IEP across each Phase. In order to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities and the provision of a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities, NNPS guidelines recognize the unique needs of students with disabilities and are aligned with VDOE's Phased Guidance for Virginia Schools and the CDC Guidance for Schools. In keeping with the VDOE's Phased Guidance for Virginia Schools, Phase I of the return to learn plan includes a gradual return to in-person learning while prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff. In Phase I, identified Special Education students will return to in-person learning using a modified hybrid model of learning which includes 4 days per week of in-person learning and 1 day per week of virtual instruction.
- Which students with disabilities will return to in-person learning during Phase I?
Students in Pre-k through 12th grade receiving services primarily in the special education setting for the majority of the school day (self-contained) using an adapted curriculum and participating in the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (VAAP) will participate in a modified hybrid model of learning.
Special education teachers will contact the parents of students who will return to in-person learning during Phase I. In addition, Transportation will contact parents to provide transportation information. Parents should confirm that the contact information that has been provided to their child’s school is current. - What is the modified hybrid model of learning and how it will be used to provide specially designed instruction to students returning to in-person learning during Phase I?
The modified hybrid model of learning includes 4 days of in-person learning per week and 1 day of virtual learning per week. In-person learning days for these students will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week; on Wednesday of each week, these students will participate in virtual learning with synchronous (live) and/or asynchronous (independent) learning activities provided by their teachers.
Students enrolled in the preschool special education program (PEEP) will also follow a modified hybrid model of learning, with the in-person learning 4 days per week and virtual learning 1 day per week. For in-person learning on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week, PEEP students will attend either the AM or PM session, based on their assigned session. - When will students with disabilities who are not included in Phase I be able to return to in-person learning?
Students receiving instruction primarily in the general curriculum, will follow the division-wide Phased Return Plan and timeline, which identifies dates by grade level. To ensure continued equitable access to educational opportunities and the provision of a free and appropriate education, these students will follow the division-wide cohort hybrid schedule for their assigned cohort which includes 2 days per week of in-person learning and 3 days per week of virtual learning. Specially designed instruction will continue to be provided according to their IEP.
- Phase II: Pre-K through 2nd
- Phase III: Elementary, 3rd-5th grades; Middle school, 6th grade only
- Phase IV: Middle school, 7th and 8th grades
- Phase V: High School
- If my child receives related services, when and how will these services be provided?
For students who return to in-person learning, Related Service providers will continue to collaborate with teachers and other service providers to coordinate schedules in order to provide these services when possible during the scheduled in-person learning days.
- When and how will my child’s Annual IEP meeting be held?
All IEP meetings will continue to be held using a virtual platform. Meetings may be held using video-conferencing or tele-conferencing tools (ex. ZOOM, conference call, telephone). Special education teachers will communicate with parents to schedule these meetings in a timely manner and, at that time, determine parents/guardians preferred virtual platform for the IEP meeting.
How will English Learners be served?
English Learners will continue to receive language instruction PK-12 throughout each of the Phases. Below is an explanation of each type of instruction provided in each phase. In addition, a virtual option for all grade levels will remain an option in all these phases.
English Learners will also continue to receive instructional accommodations in all courses as determined by their English Learner Support Plan.
Lastly, NNPS will continue to strive to provide information and communication in English and Spanish. Additionally, all staff have access to communicate with families using our over-the-phone interpreting service with access to over 200 languages.
Current Support:
- Elementary and middle school Newcomers receive intensive language and literacy instruction throughout the day virtually (both independently and with a teacher in real time) with a dually certified elementary/ ESL classroom teacher.
- Elementary Levels 1-4 will continue to receive language instruction virtually in small groups throughout the week. ESL teachers will provide additional language support with other classes when possible.
- Middle school Levels 1-4 will continue to receive language instruction virtually in small groups throughout the week in their English classes. ESL teachers will provide additional language support with other classes when possible.
- High school Levels 1-4 will continue to receive language instruction virtually in small groups throughout the week in their English classes or in their ESL support classes. ESL teachers will provide additional language support with other classes when possible.
Phase I:
- Elementary and middle school Newcomers (Level 1) will participate in a modified hybrid model of learning where they will receive a combination of in-person instruction with some independent learning 4 days a week and 1 day a week for complete virtual instruction through small groups and independent work.
Phase II:
- High school Newcomers, middle transitions English, and ESL English 9 (Levels 1-2) Students in these courses will participate in a modified hybrid model of learning where they will receive a combination of in-person instruction for their ESL English and Newcomer courses while attending class virtually for other courses 4 days a week and 1 day a week for complete virtual instruction through small groups and independent work. Additional staff will be repurposed to support students in non-ESL classes. (Students in high school will be clustered to one site during this time frame until all of high school returns. This will ensure that additional support is available to the non-ESL courses. We will also be monitoring to determine if additional ELs may need in-person support).
- Pk-2 Elementary Levels 1-4 will continue to receive language instruction virtually in small groups throughout the week. ESL teachers will provide additional language support on the 2 virtual days for those in the hybrid model of instruction. (We will also be monitoring if specific students may need additional days of in-person support).
Phase III:
- 3-6 Elementary Levels 1-4 will continue to receive language instruction virtually in small groups throughout the week. ESL teachers will provide additional language support on the 2 virtual days for those in the hybrid model of instruction. (We will also be monitoring if specific students may need additional days of in-person support).
- 6 Middle Levels 1-4 will receive language instruction in person during their English block. If possible, the ESL teacher will also provide support on the virtual only days. When possible, English Learners will be in one group (group A or B) in order to have support during the virtual days. (We will also be monitoring if specific students may need additional days of in-person support).
Phase IV:
- 7-8 Middle Levels 1-4 will receive language instruction in-person during their English block. If possible, the ESL teacher will also provide support on the virtual only days. When possible, English Learners will be in one group (group A or B) in order to have support during the virtual days. (We will also be monitoring if specific students may need additional days of in-person support).
Phase IV:
- 9-12 High Levels 1-4 will receive language instruction in person during their English block and support classes. If possible, the ESL teacher will also provide support on the virtual only days. When possible, English Learners will be in one group (group A or B) in order to have support during the virtual days. (We will also be monitoring if specific students may need additional days of in-person support). In this phase, Newcomers and ESL English 9 students will return to their home schools.
How will feedback and grading be shared/posted?
Feedback will be ongoing to individual students. Grades will be posted weekly in StudentVue and ParentVue in grades 3-12. Teachers should communicate with families how they will post grades.for students in grades K-2.
Will classroom supplies be shared?
Students will use individual supplies for in-person learning. School supply lists are posted on each school’s website.
Transportation Safety
How will parents know which bus students will ride?
Bus stop information will be posted on the division website. An announcement will be sent to notify parents of the posting. http://bus-stops.nn.k12.va.us/liveweb/webquery/
If feasible, should parents transport their children to school?
Yes, parents are encouraged to transport their child(ren) to school; however, parents will not be allowed to walk students into the building. If you did not indicate your transportation plans on the parent intent form, please contact your child(ren)’s school. Information regarding carpooling entrances and exits will vary and will be outlined on each school’s website.
Will transportation be available for magnet students and non-traditional schools?
Yes, the transportation department will make every effort to transport students that are eligible (pre-approved or more than .4 miles from your school) for transportation to magnet and non-traditional (Point Option) schools.
How will social distancing guidelines be managed on the bus?
To ensure physical distancing, buses will only be able to transport approximately 20-25 students at a time (one student per seat, alternating between the aisle and window) and all students and drivers must wear masks. Siblings residing in the same household may be seated together on the same seat. Drivers will clean and sanitize buses following each route.
Will students have to wear a mask on the bus?
Yes, all students riding the school bus must wear a face mask. Students, bus assistants and drivers are required to wear face masks when on school buses, even on buses without air conditioning. Bus windows will be open to increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible. Windows will not be open if it poses a safety risk to passengers.
What if a student cannot wear a mask due to his/her medical condition?
Transportation staff will be notified if a student cannot wear a mask due to medical reasons. Appropriate accommodations will be made to ensure the student is properly physically distanced. Mask Exemptions for Children
Will masks be available if a student forgets his/her mask?
Parents are responsible for providing masks for their child(ren)to wear to school. A limited number will be available for students who forget their masks; students are required to wear masks at the bus stop.
What is the no transportation zone?
Students that live within .4 miles from their school are in the no transportation zone.
Is transportation available to child care centers?
Yes, the childcare address must be within the same school zone the child attends. Childcare AM/PM addresses can be different if located within the same school zone. If childcare transportation is needed, complete the Childcare Request Form: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/bus-stops/childcare_form.html
Can students ride a different bus other than the bus they have been assigned?
No, due to physical distancing guidelines, students are required to ride their assigned bus to and from school or the parent must plan for alternative transportation.
How will students exit the bus and enter the building at each school?
There will be a process for buses to stagger the release of students off of the buses into the building. Principals will have several designated entrances into the building, depending on grade levels. Staff will be available to guide students at the bus drop-off, entrances, and in the halls.
School and Classroom Safety
What are the daily protocols parents should follow before sending their child(ren) to school?
Parents should review the daily health screening for each student before sending them to school. This screen will be available on the NNPS Website.
How will I be notified if there is a COVID case in the school?
Parents will receive a letter from the school notifying them if there is a COVID case at their school.
What precautions will be taken throughout the school day?
All classrooms will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soap, and disposable masks (if needed).
What is the required procedure for students being screened while in the building? How often? Will there be training for teachers?
Students will not be screened in the building. However, teachers will be trained on how to identify symptoms and what precautions and steps to take.
What will happen if a student has symptoms while at school?
If a student develops COVID symptoms at school they will be referred to the school nurse. If the nurse thinks the student may have COVID symptoms, the student will be placed in a COVID isolation room to await their parent/guardian’s arrival.
How will classrooms be arranged to promote safety?
Desks will be placed 6 feet apart in classrooms to provide adequate distancing between students. In some smaller classrooms, distance may be 3-6 feet apart; however students will wear masks at all times.
Are students expected to wear masks all day?
Yes, students will be expected to wear masks in the classrooms and during recess.
Will students participate in recess?
Yes, students will participate in individual recess activities. However, the playgrounds will not be available for play.
Will there be handwashing and wipes available in the classroom and throughout the building?
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be available at the entrance to each school, in each main office and in every classroom.
Food Services
How will breakfast and lunch be served?
- Elementary: Breakfast and lunch will be served in the classroom
- Middle: Breakfast and lunch will be served in the classroom
- High: Breakfast and lunch will be served in classrooms and at kiosks throughout the buildings, but students will need to eat breakfast and lunch in their classrooms
A snack and dinner will be available for students to take home on the days that they attend school. On the virtual learning days, meals will need to be picked up at a school or mobile feeding site.
Will meals-to-go still be provided?
Yes, meals-to-go will be available at the same locations and times listed on the NNPS website.
Child Care Services
Will childcare services be available for parents and staff?
Yes, childcare services will be available at various locations. However, space is limited; costs vary by agency.
Childcare Providers: Newport News Parks and Recreation, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club