The school division recently announced learning paths for the 2020-2021 school year as part of a plan called Return to Learn: Forward WJCC Schools. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about health, safety, teaching, and learning related to the plan. If you have a question that is not addressed in this FAQ, please email forward@wjccschools.org. The Forward WJCC Schools webpage will be updated regularly with announcements, information, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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- Athletic and Activities
- Attendance and Discipline
- Family Choice: Year-Long Virtual Learning
- Health and Safety
- Meals
- Path 1-4 Learning
- Special Education and Special Programs (Gifted, Career & Technical Education, etc.)
- Transportation
If there are significant challenges to accommodating a student’s course requests through the virtual academy and the courses are available/open at a student’s home school, the request to move back to the Path option may be approved before August 31.
If a similar course is available, the student’s schedule will be adjusted or the student will be placed in one of their previously selected alternate course options.
The WJCC School Board approved the appointment of Scott Holland as Acting Virtual Academy Administrator- Elementary and Michele Newcomb as Acting Virtual Academy Administrator- Secondary. Holland and Newcomb will provide administrative and instructional leadership for the WJCC Virtual Academy: Family Choice for Online Learning. Families will be provided with contact information for teachers and administrators at the beginning of the school year and a website for the WJCC Virtual Academy will be available soon.
All PK-3 students will attend school in-person two days a week. Students with a disability beyond grade 3 will attend in-person two days a week if they have highly-intensive needs and are primarily served in a self-contained special education classroom.
Parents and students who need assistance with technology issues, please call 757-259-7192 and select Option #1.
On path 2 and 3 students who are taking part in blended learning will participate in centers activities such as music and art on days they are on-site. To minimize student travel within the building and in adherence with social distancing guidelines, music and art teachers will visit classrooms with necessary supplies to support the day’s activity. Elementary students will engage with non-core instruction weekly. The schedule and delivery format for that instruction are being developed.
All WJCC Schools students and staff are required to wear face coverings.
Face coverings include cloth face coverings, disposable masks, and face shields worn with face masks/coverings. Students who are unable to wear a face covering due to medical concerns or certain disabilities may be considered for accommodations on a case by case basis. Details about the process to arrange for accommodation will be available before school begins.
For families of students with disabilities who select the Family Choice path, the IEP team must determine the services the student requires and how they can be delivered virtually to provide the student with a free, appropriate public education. It is important to be mindful that there may be some services that are functionally unavailable through a virtual learning platform.
While it is preferable that the child’s case manager is someone from the school they would normally attend, case manager assignments will be based on the student’s selected learning format (Family Choice or path option). Every child with a disability will be provided services in accordance with their IEP and receive case management from a certified WJCC special education teacher.
Students participating in the Family Choice option will receive all educational services in the virtual format.
Yes.
If a student has limitations that preclude him/her from being able to comply with social distancing requirements, no disciplinary action will take place. However, in instances of this nature, staff will be diligent in working to incorporate processes and procedures that comply with social distancing to the maximum extent possible.
This is preferable. However, it is understood that some students with disabilities also have limitations that may preclude them from being able to wear a mask. In instances of this nature, social distancing will be strongly enforced.
Staff will fulfill their assigned job responsibilities while following the established physical distancing expectations.
Plexiglass partitions have been ordered and will be used for small group instruction. Partitions will not be used at each student’s desk. Classrooms will be configured to support social distancing to the greatest extent possible, maintaining 6’ of space between student desks.
WJCC Schools staff is collaborating with local health experts now to develop a framework for decision-making that includes key data points, trends, and conditions that will be monitored. Our goal is to give families at least 3 days’ notice before a change in Paths is made. That could change in the event of an emergency.
When possible, learning supplies will be individual and not shared. Stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be followed when supplies or equipment are shared.
Live instruction will be recorded and posted on the digital platform for students who are absent due to illness, may need to review the lesson again for greater understanding.
Attendance and participation will be monitored and recorded. Students will also complete some assignments, homework, and activities independently as directed by the teacher at times that work best for the student and family. Live instruction will be recorded and posted on the digital platform for students who may need to review the lesson again for greater understanding.
WJCC Schools has created schedules for each level that provide consistency should the division or school move among the Paths. Students and teachers will engage in live, teacher-led instruction for comparable amounts of time during each Path, whether it is in-person in Path 3 or virtual in Paths 1 and 2.
In Path 4, teachers will continue to use digital resources to support instruction and to ease any possible transition to another Path, if needed. While on Path 4, teachers may choose to accept assignments electronically or through the collection of printed materials based on what is appropriate for the class.
Path 3 includes in-person instruction two days a week which reduces the need for as much live, synchronous activity on the remote learning days. The Family Choice 100% online option will have more live, synchronous learning since that is the only way direct instruction can be delivered.
Yes. Student work will be graded, and students will be expected to turn in assignments as directed by their teacher.
There are opportunities on every Path and in the Family Choice Year-long Virtual Learning for students to engage with their teacher and peers digitally. Since last Spring, WJCC Schools has integrated Zoom into its secure learning platform to reduce the potential for hacking. Microsoft Teams will also continue to be used securely through StudentVue.
Yes.
Yes.
As with a traditional school year, students may have assignments that need to be completed outside the instructional day.
School counselors from the students’ zoned school will be available to support social-emotional growth and to assist with course planning for the next school year. Counselors will not be able to answer questions specific to ongoing instruction in the Year-long Virtual Learning courses. Those questions should be directed to the teacher.
WJCC will compile and review the Family Option requests and analyze the data by grade level and subject matter. We will also continue to compile and review requests by teachers seeking accommodation to work remotely, determine if their situation meets the criteria for a reasonable accommodation to work remotely and match the teacher’s current position and endorsement(s) with the needs identified in the Family Option data. We will provide more specific steps after we compile the Family Option data, determine the Learning Path for the start of the school year, and get a final tally of teachers requesting an accommodation to work remotely.
Teachers who are designated to teach for the year-long virtual learning program will participate in dedicated professional development to support their new role.
Course availability will be determined by the level of student interest and staff availability.
PK-5 instruction and student engagement for all students, those on the learning paths and enrolled in Family Choice, will be aligned to VA SOLs and WJCC curricula and pacing guides. Enrollment in elementary courses will be available to all students who meet course criteria.
To the greatest extent possible, Centers activities will mirror learning taking place on Paths 1-3 which include remote and blended learning at the elementary level.
Students who are participating in the Family Choice option have the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities, clubs and sports at their zoned school throughout the year. In addition, students will be included in yearbooks and other annual school publications.
Some resources and materials may be printed at home if the student prefers. However, it is important to note that ALL assignments must be submitted electronically as directed by the teacher.
Classes in the Family Choice 100% online option will have more asynchronous experiences than those following the paths. Course content, instruction, and student need will determine how much time will be spent in live instruction, pre-recorded videos, and independent work.
Elementary students enrolled in Family Choice will engage daily with synchronous and/or asynchronous direct instruction, synchronous small group instruction, and independent learning activities daily. Time for each component will vary by grade level.
Every student in the school division will receive a WJCC Schools-issued device to support their learning. Students in grades K-2 will have a tablet, and students in 3-12 will receive a laptop. Age-appropriate software and programs required for learning will be loaded on the devices.
New Horizons is a regional program that offers technical and career education courses, youth workforce counseling, a regional center for autism, and the Governor’s School for Science and Technology. Staff from WJCC Schools and other local school divisions are working with the New Horizons team now to determine what learning will look like in September. Information will be provided to students enrolled in New Horizons courses and programs as soon as it is available.
The Family Choice 100% Virtual Learning is a year-long program; however, we recognize that not all students thrive with this type of learning. Therefore, students have the opportunity to transition out of the program for the second semester. While the majority of students will be encouraged to continue with Virtual Learning for the entire year, families must notify the division of this decision by November 30, 2020.
Students participating in Family Choice Virtual Learning will have access t information about using online platforms tips for success in a virtual learning environment. “How to” videos reminding students and parents about the use of StudentVue and ParentVue will be posted on school and the division website before the start of school.
WJCC Schools will all follow health and safety protocols developed with current CDC and local and state health department guidance. This includes but is not limited to enhanced cleaning and sanitization measures, self-assessments for wellness, face covering requirements, social distancing, and handwashing and other hygiene practices.
Students with disabilities will continue to receive services as indicated in their IEP. Services will be provided as appropriate for each student and each path. This may include some virtual and some in-person services.
English language learners will continue to receive specialized instruction to support their learning. This may include some virtual and some in-person services.
Schools will determine club and non-athletic extracurricular activities based on current guidance, the current path, and teacher and student safety.
Schools will follow VHSL guidance regarding school sports. Athletics will not occur during Path 1 and may resume, with restrictions, during other paths.
Although in-person field trips will not be taken, students may participate in virtual field trips to support learning and mastery of essential concepts.
Courses and lessons will be designed to support differentiated instruction to the greatest extent possible.
Teachers will be given the same student data they would receive for a traditional class roster.
While we ask that students commit to the Family Choice 100% online option for the full school year, we do understand that some students may find the experience is not right for them. The curriculum is designed so that if a student moves out of the Family Choice 100% online option after the first semester, the transition will be as smooth as possible.
Teacher to student ratios will be determined by student enrollment and will be designed to support differentiated instruction to the greatest extent possible.
Yes.
The Family Choice 100% virtual option is a division-wide program. To maximize staffing and resources, teachers will be selected from across the division based on grade level and course.
Participation in 100% online learning requires a year-long commitment by families. Students are not able to enroll in the Family Choice Virtual Learning option for the second semester due to staffing.
Specific course offerings will be determined based on student enrollment and teacher availability.
Students may elect to enroll in Virtual Virginia classes full-time. Doing so makes the student ineligible to participate in WJCC Schools extracurricular activities and sports programs.
Virtual learning is fully online. Students do not come to the physical school building unless specific assessments, evaluations, or other circumstances require it. Virtual learning means that all instruction and class work is done at home. Assignments are submitted via StudentVUE or Canvas, depending on the teacher’s instructions.
The Paths are designed to provide continuity of learning for students. Courses and teachers will remain consistent within each Path, it is only the location and delivery that will change.
Path 1 – Remote Learning for All
Students will participate in live, teacher-led instruction at designated times (synchronous learning). Attendance and participation will be monitored and recorded. Students will also complete some assignments, homework, and activities independently as directed by the teacher at times that work best for the student and family. Live instruction will be recorded and posted on the digital platform for students who may need to review the lesson again for greater understanding.
Path 2 – Blended Learning for Grades PreK-3 and Remote Learning for All
Students in grades PreK – 3 will take participate in on-site learning two days of the week and remote learning three days a week. On-site learning will include direct instruction, small group learning, and in-person activities (synchronous learning). Remote learning will include assignments and activities that may require paper/pencil or research, videos, projects, etc. that are accessed and completed on the division-issued tablet. These assignments may be completed at any time during the day (asynchronous learning).
Students in grades 4- 12 will participate in remote learning only through live, teacher-led instruction at designated times (synchronous learning). Attendance and participation will be monitored and recorded. Students will also complete some homework assignments and activities independently as directed by the teacher at times that work best for the student and family. Live instruction will be recorded and posted on the digital platform for students who may need to review the lesson again for greater understanding.
Path 3 – Blended Learning for All
Students in all grades will take participate in on-site learning two days of the week and remote learning three days a week. On-site learning will include direct instruction, small group learning, and in-person activities (synchronous learning). Remote learning will include assignments and activities that may require paper/pencil or research, videos, projects, etc. that are accessed and completed on the division-issued tablet or laptop. These assignments may be completed at any time during the day (asynchronous learning).
When there are scheduled online activities, such as class meetings on Fridays during Path 3, families that have a scheduling conflict should work with their individual teachers.
Family Choice- Year-Long Virtual Learning
Students will participate in 100% online learning that is both facilitated live by the teacher (synchronous learning) and independent work on a schedule that works best for the student and family (asynchronous learning). Teachers will be available for office hours at specific times to help students and answer questions.
Remote learning occurs on the days that students are not physically in the school building and is an element of Paths 1, 2, and 3. Remote learning may include online learning through StudentVue or Canvas, student packets, pre-loaded computers or tablets, or other teacher-provided materials.
Buses will be sanitized between runs. Seating capacity will be established based on current social distancing guidelines. Face coverings will be required for all bus passengers and drivers. When weather permits, windows will be open to allow for outside air.
Appropriate social distancing is a requirement for on-site learning. Failure to follow these practices will result in discipline in accordance with the WJCC Schools Student Code of Conduct.
Attendance is a requirement for each learning path. WJCC Schools is awaiting guidance from the Virginia Department of Education for monitoring and reporting student attendance. This FAQ will be updated once that guidance is received.
If a parent withdraws an identified Gifted Program student from WJCC Public Schools for any reason, the student will become “Inactive” in the Gifted Program. The student may resume Gifted Program status upon return to WJCC Public Schools if the student re-enrolls the very next school year. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify in writing the Gifted Resource Teacher at the school as well as the school principal if the parent/guardian wants to resume gifted services. Some gifted services require specialized classes that might require the re-enrolled student to take placement tests in order to determine an appropriate academic fit for the student. Further questions about re-enrollment of identified gifted students may be directed to Ann Colorado, the Coordinator for Gifted Education, at ann.colorado@wjccschools.org
Gifted students will continue to receive services as appropriate for the student and Path.
Bus transportation will be provided whenever students are coming to school in-person. Students must wear a face covering to ride a school bus. Seating will support social distancing to the greatest extent possible.
How will schools protect students with food allergies if students are having meals in the classroom?
All WJCC Schools staff receive yearly training on allergy awareness and safety. School-based staff are prepared to create a safe environment for students with allergies throughout the day, including during meal and snack times. Following meals, trash to be placed in large receptacles that will be emptied following meals.
Child nutrition staff are well trained in food safety measures and will follow current guidance related to safety and sanitation.
Grab and Go meals will be available during Path 1, 2, and 3 with some modifications possible in each path. The WJCC Schools website will always have the most up-to-date information about Grab and Go Meal service.
Students will continue to receive nutritious meals in a clean and safe environment. During Path 2 and 3, students will most likely eat in the classroom when they are learning in the school building. Arrangements are being made for trash to be placed in large receptacles that will be emptied following meals. During Path 4, cafeterias will be open for use with appropriate cleaning and safety measures in place.
There will be no assemblies at this time.
Common areas of buildings are closed in Paths 1-3 and will reopen in Path 4.
Recess and P.E. are important elements of a student’s education. Students who are in the school buildings will have recess and P.E. as appropriate for their grade level. Following guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, staff are developing activities that can be done with adequate social distancing and are implementing cleaning and sanitizing protocols when equipment is used.
When students are at school for in-person learning, class size will be determined by the needs of the students and ability to provide adequate social distance.
Desks and tables will be separated for social distance in accordance with the current CDC recommendations and guidance from the Virginia Department of Education.
WJCC Schools have always been cleaned for health and safety. Our cleaning protocols this year include:
- Emphasizing touchpoint cleaning.
- Shifting custodial schedule to increase coverage during daytime hours.
- Conducting electrostatic disinfecting daily.
- Performing preventative maintenance of HVAC systems more often.
- Evaluating airflow in buildings to increase outside air.
- Implementing enhanced cleaning in the event of possible exposure, including fogging, carpet cleaning, and pressure washing.
WJCC Schools will follow the protocols outlined in the WJCC Schools Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines, which follow guidance from the CDC and VDH for reported COVID-19 cases and reported exposure to those with COVID-19. Staff absences due to COVID-19 are addressed in current Human Resources policies and procedures.
WJCC Schools will work with local and regional health officials to initiate contract tracing and coordinate next steps. Operations staff will begin established cleaning and sanitizing procedures, as appropriate. Decisions regarding the complete or partial closure of a building will be determined by school division staff, in collaboration with local health officials.
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they will not be permitted to return to work until they have self-quarantined per CDC and VDH guidelines and are symptom-free. Employees with exposure to someone with COVID-19 can return if symptom-free for the duration of the self-quarantine. Specific considerations for returning to school are outlined in the Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines.
WJCC Schools will follow the protocols outlined in the WJCC Schools Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines, which follow guidance from the CDC and VDH for reported COVID-19 cases and reported exposure to those with COVID-19. Student absences due to COVID-19 are addressed in school attendance policies. Students will be given the opportunity to make up missing assignments due to illness.
WJCC Schools will work with local and regional health officials to initiate contract tracing and coordinate next steps. Operations staff will begin established cleaning and sanitizing procedures, as appropriate. Decisions regarding the complete or partial closure of a building will be determined by school division staff, in collaboration with local health officials.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19, they will not be permitted to return to school until they have self-quarantined per CDC and VDH guidelines and are symptom-free. Students with exposure to someone with COVID-19 can return if symptom-free for the duration of the self-quarantine. Specific considerations for returning to school are outlined in the Health Services Return to School Mitigation Guidelines.
Anyone who begins to feel unwell or presents symptoms will be immediately referred to the school nurse. The individual will be given a mask, and if determined necessary, placed in an isolation room away from others, until they are able to go home.
