Transitioning Elementary School Students to Face-to-Face Learning Four Days a Week

With layered health and safety mitigation strategies in place, schools are ready for the next step in the phased transition to full-time in-person learning for students. Beginning Monday, April 19, elementary school students will attend school in-person four days a week (M-Th). Middle and high school students will remain on the hybrid schedule with live, real-time instruction using classroom technology (M-Th). Fridays will continue to be a remote learning day for all grade levels. The schedule change follows a WJCC Schools Health Advisory Group presentation on updated CDC, health department, and VDOE guidance and social distancing recommendations. Watch the presentation and read about what the adjustments mean for your children.

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Stay Healthy with a Spring Break “Stay-cation”

The head of the CDC is warning that we could see another surge in COVID cases if families travel for Spring Break. “I’m pleading with you, for the sake of our nation’s health,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “Cases climbed last spring, they climbed again in the summer, they will climb now if we stop taking precautions.”  To keep your family and our community safe and healthy, why not plan a “staycation” for Spring Break? Here are some ideas and tips for transforming your backyard into a cool vacation spot. If you do choose to travel, please use the WJCC Schools Symptom Checker to monitor your child’s health after you return home. If your children become ill, please keep them at home and consult your health care provider.

Getting Ready for Summer School

An expanded summer school program is taking place from July 6 – August 5. Summer school hubs will be located at Clara Byrd Baker, J.B. Blayton, James River elementary schools, James Blair and Hornsby middle schools, and Warhill High School.

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School Board Approves Pre-Labor Day Start for Next School Year

The school board approved the 2021-2022 academic calendar, which includes a Pre-Labor Day start for the first time in recent history. Students will return to class Monday, August 30. By law, school divisions must make the Friday before Labor Day a student holiday, creating a 4-day weekend. Next year’s calendar includes three virtual learning days and fewer early release days than in previous years. View the 2021-22 calendar here.

New Math? State Considers Changes for Elementary Math

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is in the first year of a five-year revision process for the Mathematics Standards of Learning. If you are the parent of a current elementary student, you may wish to attend VDOE informational sessions to understand changes better and get answers to questions.

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WJCC Schools Heroes of Hope

Each Month, WJCC Schools honors teachers and staff members who go above and beyond to serve the students in our schools and selflessly support their colleagues. The March Heroes of Hope are:

  • Charna Moss-Gregory, Warhill High
    She lives the motto: We are here to do what is best for students, not what is easiest for adults. 
  • Trent Strong, Laurel Lane Elementary
    The kids here love him because he takes the time out to stop and listen.
  • Christine Trueblood, Lafayette High
    She is always upbeat and positive, greeting families, faculty, and staff with kind words and a smile. 

Visit our website to find out what makes these three outstanding individuals WJCC Schools Heroes of Hope.

Family Academy Webinar: Anxiety, Trauma, and a Pandemic – Oh My!

The academy will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 6PM. This past year has been challenging! Social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and other mental health concerns have come into our children’s lives and we’re finding they need us now more than ever. Bacon Street is partnering with us to look at anxiety from a trauma informed perspective and provide families tips and tricks as well as validation and empathy. We look forward to you joining us. 

Click here to register today or contact Felicia Highland, Ed.D. at (757) 603-6541.