What We Know and What We’ve Learned
In the 10 months since the pandemic began, we have learned so much about the coronavirus, how it spreads, and what we can do individually and collectively to help reduce illness in our community and schools.
We know that the consistent use of face coverings, frequent handwashing, social distancing, and thorough cleaning practices are essential to stopping the spread of COVID-19. We know that the more people who are vaccinated, the better we are as a community. And finally, by looking at data from school divisions across the nation where students are learning in-person, we know that with strict mitigation strategies in place the transmission rate in schools is lower than originally expected.
When Will Students Return to School?
With stringent mitigation strategies in place and improving community health data, WJCC Schools is prepared to take the next step in our Return to Learn: Forward WJCC Schools plan. If community health data does not improve or if school operations cannot be supported because of the number of staff who are ill or in quarantine, the timeline may need to be adjusted for individual classes, schools, or the division as a whole.
Research and Resources
- WJCC Schools COVID-19 Dashboard
- Virginia Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- American Academy of Pediatrics COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools
- Incidence and Secondary Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Schools (Duke University)
- Schools and the Path to Zero: Strategies for Pandemic Resilience in the Face of High Community Spread (Harvard)
- City of Williamsburg COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard
January
Students: Remote learning continues for most students; SOL Testing takes place for identified high school students; Special Education and Gifted Testing takes place at all levels as necessary. Athletic conditioning for Fall VHSL sports begins (1/18) at all three high schools.
Staff: Teachers return to on-site work a minimum of 4 days with existing childcare waivers in place. Virtual Academy teachers work on-site a minimum of 2 days a week. All other staff report according to normal schedule.
Special Education, English Learners (middle and high school), and Pre-K who were previously taking part in in-person learning return to school; remediation programs for select students identified by schools will resume; SOL Testing at high schools continues and PSAT Testing will take place.
February
Students in grades K-5, 6, and 12 begin hybrid learning (2 days at school and 3 days remote learning) based on last name.
Students in grades 7, 9, and 11 begin hybrid learning (2 days at school and 3 days remote learning) based on last name.
Students in grades 8 and 10 begin hybrid learning (2 days at school and 3 days remote learning) based on last name.
| Last Name | Group | On-Site Learning Days | Remote Learning Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-L | Blue | Monday & Tuesday | Wednesday - Friday |
| M-Z | Green | Wednesday & Thursday | Monday, Tuesday, Friday |
Remote Learning
All students will engage in new instruction through remote learning using WJCC Schools-issued tablets and laptops Monday - Friday
Attendance, participation, and completion of assignments will
be monitored and graded.
Select academic screenings and assessments may occur in-person with strict social distancing.
PreK-3 Blended Learning
4-12 Remote Learning
Students PreK – Grade 3, some students with disabilities, and some English Learners will participate in blended learning with remote instruction and in-person learning on alternating days Monday - Friday.
Students in Grades 4 – 12 will engage in remote learning.
Buses will run
with social distancing
measures in place.
Blended Learning
All students will participate in blended learning that includes remote instruction and in-person learning on alternating schedules.
Buses will run with social distancing measures in place.
Athletic programs and extra-curricular activities may be permitted based on health and VHSL guidance.
On-Site Learning
All students will take part in on-site instruction at school Monday - Friday Some restrictions may continue to be in place as needed for safety.
Athletic programs and competitions will follow the guidance of the VHSL
Extra-curricular activities will resume.
Buses will resume normal operations.
Year-Long Virtual
Learning
Families may choose to have students take part in 100% online learning regardless of the WJCC Schools’ stage.
Online Learning is a commitment to completing at least one semester online.
Coursework will include synchronous and asynchronous instruction based on the age of the student and content.
Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded.
Path 1
Path 2
Path 4
Path 3
Family Choice
WE ARE HERE
All students will engage in new instruction through remote learning using WJCC Schools-issued tablets and laptops. Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded. Select academic screenings and assessments may occur in-person at schools with strict social distancing practices. Bus transportation to academic screenings and assessments will be available with social distancing practices in place.
What this means for students:
- Students will take part in remote daily learning that includes both teacher-facilitated instruction and independent activities. Click here to see the schedule.
- Special education services and Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Plans will be coordinated with families and may include remote instruction and/or teletherapies.
- No in-person extra-curricular activities or athletics will take place.
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be closed to the public.
- “Grab and Go” meals will be available for pickup at designated distribution sites.
- Enhanced internet connectivity will be available at libraries, in school parking lots, and neighborhoods through mobile hotspots and partnerships with City and County agencies and local service providers.
- Families will receive regular, timely communication from teachers and the school division using StudentVUE/ParentVUE, a new REMIND mobile app, email, phone call, and text.
- Community use of schools and facility rentals will be prohibited.
What this means for employees:
Path 1:
Remote
Learning
Students in Grades 4 – 12 will engage in new instruction through remote learning. Students in K – Grade 3, as well as some K-12 students with disabilities and some English Learners, will participate in blended learning that includes both remote instruction and in-person learning on alternating schedules with limited class size. Click here to view schedules. Attendance days will be determined by the student’s last name. Students with last names beginning A-L will be in the Blue Group and will attend school on-site Mondays and Tuesdays. Students whose last names begin with M-Z will be in the Green Group and attend school on-site Wednesday and Thursday. All students will participate in remote instruction the other three days of the week. This method will allow the majority of children to attend school on the same days as their siblings. PreK Bright Beginnings students will participate in on-site learning Monday-Thursday. Bus transportation will be provided with social distancing measures in place.
What this means for students:
- Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded.
- Students will be required to wear face coverings on the bus and in the buildings. Exemptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis in alignment with CDC guidelines. Staff will wear face coverings while moving throughout the building. Teachers may remove face coverings when they are at the front of the classroom, at least 6 feet away from students.
- Based on guidance from the Virginia High School League (VHSL), limited athletic activities might resume and may include conditioning and/or drills. In all instances, social distancing and appropriate equipment cleaning measures will be used.
- Extra-curricular activities might resume on a limited basis with appropriate social distancing and will be limited based on the number of participants and the ability to practice social distancing.
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be open to the public by appointment only.
- Deep cleaning protocols will be used with particular attention to the cleaning of buses, classrooms, doorknobs, and touchpoints.
- Signage encouraging social distancing, face coverings, and frequent handwashing will be posted throughout schools and offices.
- "Grab and Go" meals will be available for pickup at designated distribution sites.
- Families will receive regular, timely communication from teachers, schools, and the school division.
- Community use of schools and facility rentals will be limited based on the ability to comply with social distancing and WJCC facility cleaning practices.
What this means for employees:
- Instructional staff will facilitate remote and/or on-site instruction. This allows the division to deliver high-quality instruction for students while supporting staff who may fall into an "at-risk" category identified by State and local health officials or their healthcare provider.
- Employees working at schools and offices will complete daily self-assessments for wellness and wear face coverings in the presence of others. Teachers may remove face coverings when they are at the front of the classroom, at least 6 feet away from students.
- Established policies and practices related to personal, sick, or annual leave remain in place.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication to students and families.
Path 2: PreK-3 Blended Learning
Gr. 4-12 Remote Learning
All students in Grades PreK-12 will take part in blended learning that includes both remote instruction and in-person learning at schools on alternating schedules with limited class size. Click here to view schedules. Attendance days will be determined by the student’s last name. Students with last names beginning A-L will be in the Blue Group and will attend school on-site Mondays and Tuesdays. Students whose last names begin with M-Z will be in the Green Group and attend school on-site Wednesday and Thursday. All students will participate in remote instruction the other three days of the week. This method will allow the majority of children to attend school on the same days as their siblings. The use of common areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, and media centers will be limited in adherence to operational guidance from the CDC. Bus transportation will be provided with social distancing measures in place and students wearing face coverings.
What this means for students:
- Attendance, participation in remote and in-class lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded.
- Students will be required to wear face coverings on the bus and in the buildings. Exemptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis in alignment with CDC guidelines.
- Extra-curricular activities will be limited based on the number of participants and the ability to practice social distancing.
- When athletic programs are allowed to resume, participation and competitions will be aligned with VHSL guidance and include mitigation strategies to support health and wellness.
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be open to the public during designated hours only.
- Signage encouraging social distancing, use of face coverings, and frequent handwashing will be posted throughout schools and offices.
- Deep cleaning protocols continue with particular attention to the cleaning of buses, classrooms, doorknobs, and touchpoints.
- Free "Grab and Go" meals will be available to students eligible for free/reduced meal plans during the school year. Meals will be sent home with students on either Tuesday or Thursday based on their on-site learning days.
- Families will receive regular, timely communication from teachers, schools, and the school division.
- Community use of schools and facility rentals will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
What this means for employees:
- Instructional staff will facilitate remote and/or on-site instruction. This allows the division to deliver high-quality instruction for students while supporting staff who may fall into an "at-risk" category identified by State and local health officials or their healthcare provider.
- Employees working at schools and offices will complete daily self-assessments for wellness and wear face coverings in the presence of others. Teacher face coverings may be removed when they are at the front of the classroom, at least 6 feet away from students.
- Established policies and practices related to personal, sick, or annual leave remain in place.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication to students and families.
Path 3: Blended Learning
All students in Grades PreK-12 will take part in on-site instruction. Some restrictions may continue to be in place as needed for health and safety; however, it will feel more like a traditional school day. Please note that it is possible for schools to move between tracks at any time during the year based on the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in our schools, local community, or Virginia.
What this means for students:
- All students will return to school on a regular schedule Monday – Friday.
- Common areas in schools will be open for all students.
- Extra-curricular activities will resume.
- Athletic programs and competitions will follow the guidance of the VHSL.
- Bus transportation returns to traditional operations
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be open to the public during business hours.
- Volunteer opportunities will resume.
- Reminders about social distancing, frequent handwashing, and other health practices will be posted throughout schools and offices.
- "Grab and Go" meal service will be discontinued.
- Community use of schools and facility rental will return to pre-COVID-19 protocols.
What this means for employees:
- Employees will be encouraged to monitor their health and report any illness to their supervisor.
- Staff may choose to wear face coverings as a personal health protection.
- Teachers will continue to use electronic platforms to support classroom instruction and develop remote learning resources for use in the event the division must revert to Stage 1- 3 learning models.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication to students and families.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols will continue at all schools and offices.
Path 4:
On-site Learning
Families may choose to have their child(ren) participate in a year-long virtual learning experience for the 2020-2021 school year.* These courses will be 100% online, taught by WJCC Schools teachers, and will include live instruction and independent assignments and activities appropriate for each grade level. Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded. Some select academic screenings and assessments may occur in-person at schools with strict social distancing practices.
Selecting Virtual Learning is a commitment to complete at least one semester online. Before choosing this option, students are encouraged to complete a self-assessment to gauge readiness for virtual learning. To be successful in an online class, students typically need to be self-disciplined, organized, committed, proactive, critical thinkers, and computer literate.
Families must indicate their choice for their child(ren) to participate in year-long virtual learning by completing an online registration no later than July 24, 2020.
What this means for students:
*There is no guarantee that 100% Virtual Learning will be available to WJCC Schools students after the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year.
Family Choice: Year-long Virtual Learning
All students will engage in new instruction through remote learning using WJCC Schools-issued tablets and laptops. Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded. Select academic screenings and assessments may occur in-person at schools with strict social distancing practices. Bus transportation to academic screenings and assessments will be available with social distancing practices in place.
What this means for students:
- Students will take part in remote daily learning that includes both teacher-facilitated instruction and independent activities. Click here to see the schedule.
- Special education services and Individualized Education Programs (IEP)and 504 Plans will be coordinated with families and may include remote instruction and/or tele therapies.
- No in-person extra-curricular activities or athletics will take place.
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be closed to the public.
- “Grab and Go” meals will be available for pickup at designated distribution sites.
- Enhanced internet connectivity will be available at libraries, in school parking lots, and neighborhoods through mobile hotspots and partnerships with City and County agencies and local service providers.
- Families will receive regular, timely communication from teachers and the school division using StudentVUE/ParentVUE, a new REMIND mobile app, email, phone call, and text.
- Community use of schools and facility rentals will be prohibited.
What this means for employees:
- Staff will work remotely when possible and in coordination with their supervisors. Established leave policies and practices remain in place.
- Employees who must report to work locations or schools will complete daily self-assessments for wellness and wear face coverings in others’ presence.
- Staff will participate in job-specific professional development focusing on the delivery of remote instruction, student engagement, health and safety practices, and the use of various technology and communication platforms.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication.
Students in Grades 4 – 12 will engage in new instruction through remote learning. Students in PreK – Grade 3, as well as K-12 students with disabilities and English Learners, will participate in blended learning that includes both remote instruction and in-person learning on alternating schedules with limited class size. Click here to view schedules. Attendance days will be determined by the student’s last name. Students with last names beginning A-L will be in the Blue Group and will attend school on-site Mondays and Tuesdays. Students whose last names begin with M-Z will be in the Green Group and attend school on-site Wednesday and Thursday. All students will participate in remote instruction the other three days of the week. This method will allow the majority of children to attend school on the same days as their siblings. Areas such as cafeterias and media centers will be closed. Bus transportation will be provided with social distancing measures in place.
What this means for students:
- Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded.
- Students will be required to wear face coverings on the bus and in the buildings. Exemptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis in alignment with CDC guidelines. Staff will wear face coverings while moving throughout the building and classroom. Teachers may remove face coverings when they are at the front of the classroom, at least 6 feet away from students.
- Based on guidance from the Virginia High School League (VHSL), limited athletic activities might resume and may include conditioning and/or drills. In all instances, social distancing and appropriate equipment cleaning measures will be used.
- Extra-curricular activities might resume on a limited basis with appropriate social distancing and will be limited based on the number of participants and the ability to practice social distancing.
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be open to the public by appointment only.
- Deep cleaning protocols will be used with particular attention to the cleaning of buses, classrooms, doorknobs, and touchpoints.
- Signage encouraging social distancing, face coverings, and frequent handwashing will be posted throughout schools and offices.
- “Grab and Go” meals will be available for pickup at designated distribution sites.
- Families will receive regular, timely communication from teachers, schools, and the school division.
- Community use of schools and facility rentals will be limited based on the ability to comply with social distancing and WJCC facility cleaning practices.
What this means for employees:
- Instructional staff will facilitate remote and/or on-site instruction. This allows the division to deliver high-quality instruction for students while supporting staff who may fall into an “at-risk” category identified by State and local health officials or their healthcare provider.
- Employees working at schools and offices will complete daily self-assessments for wellness and wear face coverings in the presence of others. Teachers may remove face coverings when they are at the front of the classroom, at least 6 feet away from students.
- Established policies and practices related to personal, sick, or annual leave remain in place.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication to students and families.
All students in Grades PreK-12 will take part in blended learning that includes both remote instruction and in-person learning at schools on alternating schedules with limited class size. Click here to view schedules. Attendance days will be determined by the student’s last name. Students with last names beginning A-L will be in the Blue Group and will attend school on-site Mondays and Tuesdays. Students whose last names begin with M-Z will be in the Green Group and attend school on-site Wednesday and Thursday. All students will participate in remote instruction the other three days of the week. This method will allow the majority of children to attend school on the same days as their siblings. The use of common areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, and media centers will be limited in adherence to operational guidance from the CDC. Bus transportation will be provided with social distancing measures in place and students wearing face coverings.
What this means for students:
- Attendance, participation in remote and in-class lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded.
- Students will be required to wear face coverings on the bus and in the buildings. Exemptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis in alignment with CDC guidelines.
- Extra-curricular activities will be limited based on the number of participants and the ability to practice social distancing.
- When athletic programs are allowed to resume, participation and competitions will be aligned with VHSL guidance and include mitigation strategies to support health and wellness.
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be open to the public during designated hours only.
- Signage encouraging social distancing, use of face coverings, and frequent handwashing will be posted throughout schools and offices.
- Deep cleaning protocols continue with particular attention to the cleaning of buses, classrooms, doorknobs, and touchpoints.
- Free “Grab and Go” meals will be available to students eligible for free/reduced meal plans during the school year. Meals will be sent home with students on either Tuesday or Thursday based on their on-site learning days.
- Families will receive regular, timely communication from teachers, schools, and the school division.
- Community use of schools and facility rentals will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
What this means for employees:
- Instructional staff will facilitate remote and/or on-site instruction. This allows the division to deliver high-quality instruction for students while supporting staff who may fall into an “at-risk” category identified by State and local health officials or their healthcare provider.
- Employees working at schools and offices will complete daily self-assessments for wellness and wear face coverings in the presence of others. Teacher face coverings may be removed when they are at the front of the classroom, at least 6 feet away from students.
- Established policies and practices related to personal, sick, or annual leave remain in place.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication to students and families.
All students in Grades PreK-12 will take part in on-site instruction. Some restrictions may continue to be in place as needed for health and safety; however, it will feel more like a traditional school day. Please note that it is possible for schools to move between paths at any time during the year based on the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in our schools, local community, or Virginia.
What this means for students:
- All students will return to school on a regular schedule Monday – Friday.
- Common areas in schools will be open for all students.
- Extra-curricular activities will resume.
- Athletic programs and competitions will follow the guidance of the VHSL.
- Bus transportation returns to traditional operations
What this means for families and the community:
- School buildings and offices will be open to the public during business hours.
- Volunteer opportunities will resume.
- Reminders about social distancing, frequent handwashing, and other health practices will be posted throughout schools and offices.
- “Grab and Go” meal service will be discontinued.
- Community use of schools and facility rental will return to pre-COVID-19 protocols.
What this means for employees:
- Employees will be encouraged to monitor their health and report any illness to their supervisor.
- Staff may choose to wear face coverings as a personal health protection.
- Teachers will continue to use electronic platforms to support classroom instruction and develop remote learning resources for use in the event the division must revert to Path 1- 3 learning models.
- Teachers will provide regular and timely communication to students and families.
- Enhanced cleaning protocols will continue at all schools and offices.
Families may choose to have their child(ren) participate in a year-long virtual learning experience for the 2020-2021 school year.* These courses will be 100% online, taught by WJCC Schools teachers, and will include live instruction and independent assignments and activities appropriate for each grade level.Attendance, participation in lessons, and completion of assignments will be monitored and graded. Some select academic screenings and assessments may occur in-person at schools with strict social distancing practices.
Selecting Virtual Learning is a commitment to complete at least one semester online. Before choosing this option, students are encouraged to complete aself-assessmentto gauge readiness for virtual learning. To be successful in an online class, students typically need to be self-disciplined, organized, committed, proactive, critical thinkers, and computer literate.
Families must indicate their choice for their child(ren) to participate in year-long virtual learning by completing an online registration no later than July 24, 2020.
What this means for students:
- Elementary students will participate in online and offline activities daily that will require five hours of instructional experiences. Continuous screen time will not exceed educational guidelines based on the age of the student. Click here to see the schedule.
- Secondary students will take part in daily online learning that mirrors the block schedule used in WJCC Schools middle schools and high schools.
- Students will submit all assignments via Canvas or StudentVue as required by the teacher; printed materials will not be accepted.
- StudentVue will be the gradebook of record and will serve as the system of record documenting student progress.
- Special education services and Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and 504 Plans will be coordinated with families and may include remote instruction and/or teletherapies.
- Students who participate in year-long virtual learning can take part in extracurricular activities.
*There is no guarantee that 100% Virtual Learning will be available to WJCC Schools students after the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year.
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Grab & Go Meals Pick Up
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Thursday, January 14, meals will be distributed for 5 days: Jan. 14 – Jan. 18, 2021.
There will be no Grab and Go delivery or pick up at the 4 school locations on Monday, January 18, 2021, as all school locations will be closed.
Wednesday, January 27, meals will be distributed for 5 days: Jan. 27 – Jan. 31, 2021.
There will be no Grab and Go delivery or pick up at the 4 school locations on January 28 or Jan. 29, 2021, as all school locations will be closed.
WJCC Schools is adjusting the distribution schedule for free “Grab and Go” meals. Breakfast and lunch items will be given out Monday-Thursday from 8-11 a.m. at the following schools:
Click here to view the “Grab and Go” Meal Schedule Adjustment for Winter Break
- James River Elementary, Front Entrance
- James Blair Middle, Bus Parking Lot
- Toano Middle, Front Entrance
- Matthew Whaley Elementary, Back Entrance
Note: Thursday meal distribution will include meals for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Grab & Go Meals Delivery
To request delivery service please complete the following survey: https://bit.ly/2CKz193
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) will generously provide free rides to and from these school locations to allow families to receive “Grab and Go” meals:
- James River Elementary School, Front Entrance – WATA Route 1
- James Blair Middle School, Bus Parking Lot – WATA Route 2 & Route 5
- Toano Middle School, Front Entrance – WATA Route 9
This schedule is subject to change based on the number of meals distributed at each location.
