If you feel like plans are still in flux, it is because they are. The county wanted to present their plans now so that parents could plan for whichever scenario we land on. Also, the presentation of the 3 plans shows parents what might happen if we fully need to close schools or we later full reopen schools.
Here are some notes from the meeting:
CHILD CARE
A top priority right now is figuring out child care. WCPSS is working to identify and provide child care needs for employees. They might be using spaces in existing schools for this care. The School Board is working with organizations such as the YMCA to provide child care for those families who most need it. They are working with churches and other municipal organizations as well. They are also looking for corporations to help sponsor these costs for families who cannot afford it.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
If you do not plan to use the bus next year (and the county currently provides you transportation), it is VERY important that you go online and decline bus transportation for next year. You can do that at www.wcpss.net/declinebus. The deadline for declining the bus is Monday.
According to state guidelines, we are limited to 1 child per seat on the bus. The county needs to know ridership because this will indicate class sizes for next year.
VIRTUAL ACADEMY
- The deadline for enrolling in the Virtual Academy is July 20. You can start enrolling today.
- An email will be sent to families later today inviting them to sign up for the Virtual Academy. This email will also include a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
- The content of the academy is being determined based on parent feedback from the remote learning survey conducted this spring, the number of students who enroll in the next couple of weeks, and by parent feedback right now.
- At a minimum, all K-8 core classes will be taught and all courses required for high school graduation. Any special classes or electives will be investigated after the enrollment phase has ended. These classes will be added based on student demand and teacher availability.
- There is no cap on the enrollment for the Virtual Academy. However, parents should closely review the profile for a successful student on the Wake County website.
- Based on the remote learning survey sent in the spring, about 30% of parents expressed an interest in attending a Virtual Academy.
- After students have enrolled, Wake County will look at the representation of grade levels and the courses that these students have signed up for to determine class availability. Also, availability will depend on the specialties of the teachers who opt for teaching virtual. A teacher could decide to teach virtually because of health concerns. Wake County has also been querying teachers over the past 10 days about their preferences and whether they need accommodations for the upcoming school year.
IN PERSON FIRST TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL
To comply with state mandate, all students will return to campus for one day during the first two weeks of school. (This includes Virtual Academy students.) Students will be assigned a day.
After the first two weeks, the 3 week rotation for Plan B will begin.
For more information, see www.wcpss.net/returntocampus.
WHAT WILL PLAN B LOOK LIKE
- How Plan B is implement will be decided on the school level. Teachers and administrators will work together to determine what works best for their students. For example, one teacher might be in classroom, another might be remote.
- The dates for Plan B (what cohort your child will be in) will be announced AFTER enrollment for the Virtual Academy is complete.
- Students who attend the Virtual Academy are still considered part of their enrolled school, so when schools fully reopen, students would return to their assigned school. Also, students enrolled in the Virtual Academy can participate in activities at their school.
- The county is still discussing things such as should lunch be held in classrooms. Based on state guidelines, we cannot have large gatherings. Individual schools will have to look at their spaces to see what is feasible.
- Every year, the county deals with a shortage of bus drivers and substitutes. This year is no different. The Human Resources dept of Wake County Public Schools is working on how to bring substitutes into the classroom when needed.
- If a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to quarantine for 14 days. However, many new teachers do not have 2 weeks of sick leave available. Human Resources is working on guidelines for maximum flexibility while still adhering to state guidelines.