Frequently Asked Questions for Families
The questions under each category are a collection of comments and questions that the division has received and developed to provide a wide-scope of information regarding the return to learn plan. Please select a heading to explore the questions related to that heading.
Learning Models
What is the purpose of the Return to Learn plan?
The purpose of the Return to Learn plan is to provide a safe and effective return to school for all students and staff in the fall of 2020. This is being accomplished by realigning resources and expectations, thinking creatively about school reopening, researching and evaluating the considerations for school, and evaluating the implications of each factor. With further guidance from the governor, VDOE, and the VDH, we will continue to plan for a safe and effective school reopening in the fall.
What are the two instructional models NKCPS is using for reopening on September 8, 2020?
Hybrid Learning:
NKCPS will offer a hybrid model where students attend in-person classes 2 days per week and take part in at-home learning activities the other days of the week. Hybrid learning occurs both in the classroom and through distance learning. It is a combination of in-class and at-home teaching and learning. Any in-person instruction in our school buildings would adhere to social distancing and social gathering guidelines.
Virtual Learning:
NKCPS will be offering a virtual option for any student. Students taking part in the virtual school option will participate in live virtual instruction four days per week and work independently one day per week. The students will access their coursework on a daily basis through the virtual platform provided by the division. A teacher has been designated to guide these students through their instruction and provide supplemental activities that enhance their instructional activities.
The virtual learning intention form can be found here: https://bit.ly/NKCPSIntentForm
When do I need to submit my enrollment form and indicate which option I choose for my child?
The intent forms will be distributed after the August 5, 2020 school board meeting. At that time families will be able to either choose the hybrid option or the virtual option.
Programs and course offerings in the hybrid model may be limited and NKCPS cannot guarantee the availability of all programs due to scheduling constraints. The full-time online program may also include larger class sizes to maximize student course selections and to maximize the number of students able to attend in-school instruction under social distancing guidelines.
To appropriately staff schools and create schedules for students, parents must make this selection by August 11, 2020. The intent forms can be found here: https://bit.ly/NKCPSIntentForm
Will families have the option of changing their child’s placement from face-to-face to online or vice versa at any point during the year?
Families need to commit to one of these options for the first semester of 2020-21 school year for each child. We recognize it is difficult to make a commitment without being able to forecast the public health situation. The commitment is needed to successfully staff both virtual and hybrid instructional models. If health conditions improve that would allow NKCPS to resume five days per week in-person instruction for all students, students that opted for the virtual model may continue with virtual instruction.
How do families notify NKCPS of their choice for full-time online or hybrid instruction for their child(ren) for the 2020-21 school year?
Parents will be asked to complete the intent form and select the program option that works best for their child or children. The intent forms can be found here: https://bit.ly/NKCPSIntentForm
If a parent does not have access to the internet, paper copies of the intent forms are available at each school.
If a family does not indicate their preference for hybrid or virtual learning by the deadline, what will happen?
Students who do not have a preference indicated by the deadline will be enrolled in the hybrid option.
What should a family do if they do not know their child’s Student ID number to fill out the school intent option form?
Parents should contact the school their child will be attending for help with obtaining their child’s Student ID number from the Student Information System (SIS). Schools will have a staff person available who can look up the Student ID number in SIS for the parent so that the parent can complete the school enrollment option form to meet the August 11th deadline.
Why can’t NKCPS provide 5 days a week of in-person instruction?
The Reopening of Schools plans were developed in alignment with CDC and VDOE guidelines. NKCPS does not have the facility space to have all students in our school buildings 5 days a week with the current (Phase III) social distancing guidance.
Will students in elementary get Chromebooks this fall?
Students in grade K-2 may be issued Chromebooks in the fall, however these will generally remain in the child’s classroom. NKCPS is providing Chromebooks for students in grades 3-5 for both in-class and at-home learning.
Hybrid Learning
I have children in multiple schools. If I opt for the hybrid model option, will they be attending school on the same days?
Yes. Student schedules will be assigned geographically to support families with students in multiple grades.
Am I able to request a change to the in-person day(s) that my child is assigned to attend school (i.e. my child was assigned to the Monday/Wednesday group but I need them to go to school on Tuesday/Thursday?)
Parents with hardships will be addressed on a case-by-case basis at the school level, whenever possible. NKCPS cannot guarantee individual requests (beyond ensuring students in the same family have the same schedule) in order to accommodate the given strict capacity issues for classrooms. If NKCPS is able to accommodate the request the family will be required to transport their children to and from school.
What does NKCPS plan for students on their at-home day if a hybrid model is selected?
Students will download their assignments for the at-home day during the in-class day. Students in grades K-2 will have 1-3 hours of work and students in grades 3-12 will have approximately 3-4 hours of work.
How many students will be in a classroom in the fall in the hybrid model?
It depends on the physical size of the classroom and ability to social distance based on Health Department and CDC guidance (currently 6 feet). While an average size classroom may be able to accommodate 11-12 students with social distancing in place, classroom sizes vary and some classes will have fewer students while others may have a greater number of students.
How will schools split their student population for in-person learning days?
In order to support families’ childcare needs, NKCPS will work to provide families with children in different grades and different schools with consistent schedules for in-school and at-home learning days. For in-person instruction, the school’s population will be split based geographically.
Virtual Learning
Will all families have the option of a full-time virtual learning program?
All families will have the option of enrolling their child in virtual learning for the 2020-2021 school year. This can be done if there is a medical need for the student, a health need for someone in the household, or based on parent preference. The intent form can be found here: https://bit.ly/NKCPSIntentForm
Under this model, students will receive four days of synchronous instruction from home and one day of asynchronous instruction. Once enrolled in the virtual model, the child will remain in the virtual model for the remainder of the semester, at which time they may choose to continue virtually or switch to the hybrid model. If families do not select the virtual option for their child, then the child will be enrolled in the hybrid model.
Programs and course offerings in this model may be limited and NKCPS cannot guarantee the availability of all programs due to scheduling constraints. The full-time online program may also include larger class sizes to maximize student course selections and to maximize the number of students able to attend in-school instruction under social distancing guidelines.
Will newly registering families have the option of selecting between virtual and face-to-face instruction?
Families that enroll after August 5, 2020 will need to be provided with information on the two options as part of the school registration process so that students may be assigned to appropriate classes.
What platform(s) will be used to provide virtual learning and will schools/teachers have a choice in what they use?
The teachers in grades K-2 will utilize SeeSaw to provide their content and activities for students. In grades 3-12, teachers will utilize Schoology to provide their content and activities for students. Teachers at all levels will have a variety of programs to use for interacting with their students and providing additional activities, information, and experiences for their students.
Will students learning through the full-time virtual model have more direct, synchronous instruction than students in the hybrid model?
For middle and high school, the bell schedules for hybrid and the virtual model will be aligned. For elementary school students, the instructional time allocations are being finalized in order to meet the developmental needs of students. Students learning through the virtual learning model will have direct time with teachers and asynchronous activity four days of the week. Additional models that include possible office hours and access to teachers for hybrid students on at-home learning days are being developed.
Curriculum
Will there be any changes to the curriculum for 2020-21?
Yes, NKCPS will provide teachers with curriculum guidance, pacing guides and resources that recognize the impact of school closures on all students, potential content gaps, and readiness for new curriculum. We recognize that after the school closure that some of the curriculum was not taught and assessed to the greatest extent possible compared with in-class learning. After the school closure the curriculum from each course was assessed in order to embed into the following year to provide continuity of learning for all students.
Will the online curriculum be the same as the in-person curriculum?
NKCPS is currently revising curriculum guidance to teachers to address the current teaching and learning conditions. It is expected that all students enrolled in the same grade level/course will learn the same identified essential standards during SY2020-2021. There will be learning tasks that take different forms due to students learning in a variety of settings: in-person, at home direct/synchronous instruction, and independent/asynchronous instruction but the expected outcome will be the same.
Will students have to change elective course selections?
While we will do our best to honor student course requests, there may be circumstances where it is not possible to offer a student a specific elective course based on teacher availability in an online or face-to-face setting and/or other hard schedule conflicts. The elective schedule will be modified considerably in the middle school.
Will students use locker rooms to change for Health and PE?
No, locker rooms will remain closed and students will need to come to school dressed for activity.
Will there be any changes to music offerings?
The Fine Arts team has created guidance for schools to ensure students may participate in general music and band safely. Specific guidance will also be provided for chorus classes in our secondary schools.
Are there any face-to-face courses that NKCPS will not be able to offer this year based on programming or safety demands?
Schools will offer courses/programs in the hybrid model based on student enrollment requests and availability of in-person teachers. If in-class courses cannot be offered, NKCPS will attempt to provide an online asynchronous solution if possible. Guidance on any necessary instructional modifications for health and safety reasons will be provided to schools.
Special Education
What will virtual learning and what will hybrid learning look like for special education students?
As part of NKCPS planning for the reopening of schools, special education teachers, administrators and support staff are meeting to discuss options for parents to consider for both instructional models. Additional information will be provided for parents during scheduled IEP meetings. Parents may also contact their student’s school or the office of student services.
How will NKCPS adequately support Special Education students from the start of school?
IEP meetings will be scheduled prior to the opening of school. The IEP teams will discuss special education services that best meet the needs of students within the instructional model selected by parents. IEP Meetings can be held after school opens to discuss the student’s progress in the selected instructional model. The IEP team will discuss placement options at that time.
How will 504 plans be implemented in both options? Will they be revised to address needs specific to the virtual learning environment?
The 504 Plans will be implemented for students in both the hybrid model and the virtual learning options. The school counselor serves as their 504 case manager and will contact the parents of students with 504 plans. Section 504 team meetings will be held to determine if modifications need to be discussed. If parents wish to discuss concerns prior to the return of counselors in August, they are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor.
Health and Safety Plan
How will schools handle COVID-19 positive cases? Will parents of the students and families affected be notified?
The VDOE and CDC have provided guidelines for responding to COVID-19 positive cases. You can find these guidelines here: https://bit.ly/NKCPSCDC
Will you enforce rules for wearing face coverings, social distancing and temperature checks?
Yes, the protective measures put in place will be required and enforced. Our discussions are centered around safety measures and parameters to include screening protocols, social distancing and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment while in our facilities using guidelines from the VDOE and CDC. Students will be required to wear face masks unless designated by their IEP or 504 plan.
How will students and staff be able to social distance?
We have reviewed the available capacity of every classroom that would afford each child and teacher to socially distance. This is based on the recommendations pertaining to the amount of space needed to appropriately social distance. Social distancing can be achieved by limiting the number of students in each space (based on social distancing standards) and arranging desks/furniture in such a way that encourages social distancing. In addition, there may be a need to use larger non-traditional spaces for instruction (i.e. multipurpose rooms, gymnasiums, etc.) to assist with social distancing at some schools.
How many children will be allowed in a classroom?
The number of students allowed in a classroom will heavily depend on the size of the classroom. Since classroom sizes vary across our school facilities, there will not be a standard number that can be applied to the division as a whole.
How will rooms be configured for social distancing?
Consistent with CDC guidance, desks will be placed so seating is 6 feet apart and facing the same direction. Tables can be used by seating students only on one side of tables, spacing seating 6 feet apart. Layout of classrooms will continue to be modified in each building to ensure physical distancing. Through a partnership with Moseley Architects, sample classroom layout designs have been developed. The square feet of each classroom factored into the configurations.
To promote physical distancing in communal areas where students, staff, and other people tend to congregate, furniture will be removed (to the extent feasible) from these areas. Use of school cafeterias will be considered based on lunch schedules and the feasibility of maintaining proper physical distancing. Building administrators will identify outside spaces that may be considered as common areas and make adjustments where needed.
How can we keep children apart?
Students will be kept apart to the greatest extent possible by employing social distancing in all classrooms and other instructional areas. There will be guidelines given to staff and families around the protocols that will need to be followed. This will include transitions from classroom to classroom, entering and exiting the building, as well as on the school bus.
Would you consider having the students stay with their class in one classroom all day and the teachers rotate from room-to-room?
This option has been considered by the planning team as a possible way to incorporate a safe and healthy learning environment into our preparations for reopening. This is easier to achieve at the elementary level, however, when students have different schedules as they progress to middle and high school it becomes more difficult.
Has NKCPS considered using open outdoor spaces for lessons to maximize the number of kids who can be taught at school daily and keeping social distancing rules?
NKCPS is considering outdoor spaces for instruction along with all other options that would help us adhere to social distancing guidelines while also providing in-person instruction to the largest number of students.
Will there be a health screening for students and staff?
Parents or caregivers are required to monitor their children for signs of infectious illness every day. Students that are sick should not attend school in person.
The screening checklist includes.
Temperature 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth; (Note-CDC guidance recommends a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for screening. NKCPS has used 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit as a benchmark for elevated temperature in the school clinics and will continue to use this number for COVID-19 screening)
Sore throat;
New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/ asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline);
Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever.
New muscles aches that cannot be attributed to another health condition or specific activity (such as physical exercise)
New loss of smell or taste
Recent congestion or runny nose that cannot be attributed to existing allergies or other related condition
Had close contact with a COVID-19 case (or person with Covid-19-like symptoms);
Traveled to or lived in an area where the local, Tribal, territorial, or state health department is reporting large numbers of COVID-19 cases.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of illness?
Our school nurses and staff work with students to promote good hygiene and to keep everyone healthy and safe. We also work with our custodial providers to ensure our schools receive thorough cleaning every day. Parents are asked for help in reinforcing healthy practices at home with children. CCPS and the VDH also offer the following reminders to stay healthy:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What measures are being put into place to protect student and staff health and safety?
NKCPS is working closely with Chickahominy District Health officials to address student and staff health and safety. NKCPS will use a daily health screening process for students and staff.
Cloth or disposable face coverings will be worn by staff and students. Face coverings will be provided to students as needed.
Schools will ensure student and staff groupings are as static as possible. Desks will be separated by at least six feet distance and will face the same direction and students will eat meals in classrooms whenever possible.
Cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be intensified. There will be daily sanitizing of high touch areas (doorknobs, handles, fixtures, etc.) with medical grade sanitizing solution. In addition, there will be more frequent monitoring and cleaning of restrooms throughout the day and contracted cleaning services will be available as needed. Additional breaks will be provided for hand washing to ensure students wash their hands for at least 20 seconds after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing; before eating; and upon entering classrooms. If soap and water are not readily available, sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol will be provided.
NKCPS will limit building access and restrict building access for visitors.
Will there be temperature checks for students before they get on the bus and for students and staff each day?
NKCPS has convened a work group to determine the best way to screen students and staff each day. The screening tool will include temperature checks.
Will there be any COVID-19 testing requirements for staff and students participating in in-person instruction?
There will not be a requirement for COVID-19 testing for staff and students who attend school within the building.
What health data (threshold or other indicator) would require NKCPS to open with everyone in a virtual capacity or transition to virtual at some point during the year?
NKCPS is working collaboratively with the Chickahominy Health District regarding thresholds/indicators. The VDH has compiled key COVID-19 health measures which can be found here: https://bit.ly/VDHKeyMeasures
In addition, the availability of instructional and support staff will be a key indicator in opening with students in a virtual learning model or transitioning to a virtual learning model at some point during the year.
Under what circumstances would a student or staff member be required to quarantine at home due to exposure to COVID-19? How does contract investigation work when a COVID-19 case is determined?
Below are links from the Virginia Department of Health that outline the process of contact tracing and investigation.
If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in school, the Health Department will work closely with school administrators to determine a course of action for the school. The process will be as follows:
Isolation of the individual
The student (and their parents/guardians) or staff member will be interviewed to determine possible exposures inside and outside of the school
The student/staff will be isolated at home and the Health Department will monitor them daily
Identification of all who had close contact (defined as 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes) with the COVID-19 positive student(s)/staff and quarantine them.
Each close contact will be interviewed for symptoms, asked to get tested between days 5-7 after the exposure, and will be monitored by the health department for the duration of their quarantine.
Will parents and staff be notified of a positive COVID-19 case in their school?
NKCPS will follow the guidelines and protocols of the Health Department. The VDH has developed guidance for schools, parents and child care on contact tracing. and local public health departments and school divisions are working together to ensure protocols are followed and individuals are properly notified through this process. Below are links from the Virginia Department of Health that outline the process of contact tracing and investigation.
Will nurses be at each school?
There will be a full time school nurse and clinic attendant at all of our schools.
Will there be any facility enhancements in schools or on buses to support social distancing and student and staff health?
Bus seats will be labeled for students to easily identify seating arrangements/ assignments on the school bus. Bus drivers and attendants will be supplied with a face mask, face shield, gloves and gowns (for students requiring more hands-on support). Students will be expected to wear a face mask. The bus driver will supply students with a mask if they do not have one. The bus will be cleaned daily with frequently touched surfaces wiped after each school served.
NKCPS is implementing interim changes to key aspects of our facilities. Among them are the addition of Health Department approved sneeze guards at customer service counters to provide an extra level of protection for the public and staff. Public health signage will also be posted throughout schools and facilities, including special provisions for entryways and elevator capacity.
How will cleaning be handled?
The cleaning plan uses current daytime and evening custodial staff. Custodians will focus on monitoring and cleaning restrooms throughout the day. Daytime custodians will also focus cleaning on high touch areas (doorknobs, handles, fixtures, etc.). Additional deep cleaning will be provided by evening custodians. Contracted cleaning services will be available to provide response cleaning if needed.
Can elementary schools use playground equipment? If so, how often does equipment need to be disinfected?
Yes. The size of groups gathering outdoors and the mixing of classrooms on the playground should be limited, as noted in Governor Northam’s Phase Guidance for Virginia Schools. Equipment with high-touch surfaces, such as railings, handles, etc, should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Children should practice hand hygiene before and after going to the playground.
Athletics and Activities
Will students selecting the full-time online option be able to participate in athletics and other Virginia High School League (VHSL) activities?
Under Virginia High School League rule students who access the full-time online option through NKCPS will remain eligible to participate in VHSL activities and athletics.
What is the plan for fall sports?
The VA Department of Education worked with the Virginia High School League (VHSL) and individual school districts on specific return to play plans.
Condensed interscholastic plan delays all VHSL sports and activities until December 14:
Season 1 (Winter) December 14 – February 20 (First Contest Date – December 28)
basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swim/dive, wrestling
Season 2 (Fall) February 15 – May 1 (First Contest Date – March 1)
cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, volleyball
Season 3 (Spring) April 12 – June 26 (First Contest Date – April 26)
baseball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field
Will before-care and aftercare be operating?
We are working with our Parks and Recreation department and local daycare facilities to find the best childcare options for our families.
Homeschool
If I decide to homeschool my child, what do I need to do?
Parents may elect to provide home instruction for their school-aged child in lieu of attendance. Parents/guardians must provide notice of intent to homeschool for the 2020-21 school year by August 15, 2020.
The homeschool intent form can be found here: https://bit.ly/NKHomeschool
If a parent wants to homeschool their child, are they able to access NKCPS curriculum and resources?
Parents who choose home instruction for their student(s) are not enrolled as an NKCPS student. Parents are responsible for their curriculum resource choices and do not have access to NKCPS virtual learning opportunities. Please see the NKCPS virtual learning option, which allows your student to stay connected to their zoned school and access NKCPS curriculum and resources. The virtual learning intention form can be found here: https://bit.ly/NKCPSIntentForm
Nutrition
Will school lunches be available to students on days when they are not physically in the building?
If our waiver to provide students take home meals for the next day is approved by the State, students attending the hybrid model of instruction will have the option of picking up “grab and go” meals on alternating days so they can have a school breakfast and lunch five days a week. School Nutrition Services staff is exploring options to provide a “grab and go” meal distribution to students that opt for virtual learning.
Where will students be eating meals?
School Nutrition Services is currently exploring meal service options in collaboration with school administrators. School populations and their participation will be the main drivers of our meal service possibilities - impacting how meals are served and where meals are consumed. Information will be provided at the school level.
Mental Health
Given the impact school closures have had on the well-being of students, what resources will be available this year to support their mental health?
Social emotional and mental health resources will be available to support students this fall. Schools may use morning meetings/check-ins, intervention blocks, or advisory periods to provide instruction on social emotional topics using new and existing curriculum. NKCPS instructional staff will have required professional development that focuses on understanding mental wellness and appropriate tools to support students. Clinical and counseling staff will provide mental health support and resources, including group counseling and consultation for students and families as needed as well as individual counseling with students and related consultation with families and staff.
Transportation
How will transportation comply with social distancing measures on buses?
Whenever possible, we ask parents to provide transportation for their student to and from school. Bus capacity will be significantly reduced to ensure social distancing measures are in place. Students will board the bus according to a seat assignment. Students (as developmentally appropriate) and staff will be required to wear a face covering while on the bus. Disposable face coverings will be provided to students if they are needed. Bus drivers and attendants will also wear cloth face coverings or face shields. Bus drivers will perform wipe downs of all frequently touched surfaces following every school delivery. Mitigation strategies have been designed to meet three (3) feet of physical distancing. Students will be seated with alternating aisle and window. This configuration allows three feet of physical distancing.
Students who ride the bus will be trained on these strategies as follows: 1) Students will be seated with alternating aisle and window; 2) Windows will be down to increase ventilation when feasible; 3) Bus drivers and students will be required to wear cloth face coverings/masks; 4) Signage will be placed on each seat to show students where to sit; 5) Students will load the school bus from the rear in the afternoon beginning with 5th grade for elementary. On secondary level buses, grades 9-12 will load from the rear with middle school students sitting up front; 6) Students will wear masks when exiting and loading the bus; 7) Students will be provided a face covering if the student arrives to the bus stop without an appropriate face covering; and 8) A bus seating chart will be used each day, both a.m. and p.m. so that the Transportation office is aware of who is on the bus should the need for contact tracing arise.
What are the plans for transportation?
Transportation will be provided to all eligible riders according to the school assigned day schedule. Bus drivers and attendants will be provided the appropriate cloth face coverings or a clear face shield. Drivers will have disposable face masks for students who do not have a face covering and will sanitize the bus with NKCPS approved spray cleaner following each school delivery. Bus arrivals and dismissals must be staggered, requiring additional time to allow for on-site social distancing and bus cleaning. Students will load the school bus from the rear in the afternoon beginning with 5th grade for elementary. On secondary level buses, grades 9-12 will load from the rear with middle school students sitting up front.
How will schools handle drop-off/pick-up?
Exact drop-off and pick-up times will be determined as the reopening plan evolves. The length of the school day as well as the drop-off and pick-up times will be similar to those in previous years. Plans for parent drop off and pick up of students are being created to create better efficiency. Bus transportation may be limited and therefore families are encouraged to transport their children if possible.
What are the criteria for students riding a bus?
Families are encouraged to transport their children to and from school due to limitations to the capacity of the school bus. School buses will be at a limited capacity. Some bus routes may be delayed due to deep cleaning of buses between routes.
Families will be asked to opt-in to bus transportation for each child.
Families that do not select bus transportation will not be provided a regular bus stop and will be required to transport their own children to and from school.
Students will be seated on the bus one child per bench.
Students within a family will be required to sit together on the bus to increase capacity.
Students will be required to wear a face covering while on the school bus and while transitioning to their first class.
Families will be required to conduct a daily screening for each child riding the bus.
Parents will be expected to take their child’s temperature before leaving the house and to withhold an ill student from riding the bus.
Bus location changes will be considered on a case-by-case basis (if a family moves within the school district), however, any bus change request may take up to two weeks to implement.
Daily transportation change requests (Bus Passes) cannot be honored during this time.