This message is to detail the plans to meet the instructional needs of our elementary school students going forward for the 2019-2020 academic year. The guidelines below are based on those set forth by the Virginia Department of Education with regards to continuity of learning in response to the Governor’s decision to close all schools for the remainder of the school year. The emphasis for Albemarle County Public Schools during this time, as always, is to provide quality equitable access to instruction for all students.
Spring break (April 6 – April 10) will continue to be a period of time without academic work expectations for students.
Beginning after spring break (April 13 – May 22), all elementary school teachers will be providing learning experiences and resources for students. Teachers will be providing materials to address new key content/concepts necessary for completion of the grade, focusing on content that is essential for success with your child’s next year’s standards. Our intent during this time is not to overburden our students and families, but to provide hope, engagement, and a measure of normalcy during this period of unprecedented uncertainty.
What to expect:
Weekly learning time: Students should expect teachers to communicate the number of hours per week of learning in Language Arts and Math, aligned with the existing homework policy guidelines. As you can predict, different grade levels will have different requirements of anticipated time, but no assignments should exceed the hours given in the policy. Teachers will include activities for Social Studies, Science and Specials. You should receive a weekly plan from your child’s teacher. There is not an expectation that this is full time school. We are focusing on quality over quantity.
Seesaw – Students will be provided learning experiences through an online platform called Seesaw. You will hear from your child’s classroom teacher on how your family will be able to access this exciting resource.
Feedback: Students should expect to receive feedback on all assignments. Teachers will use Seesaw to share lessons and assignments and provide feedback to students.
Virtual Office Hours: Teachers will continue to communicate with students and have virtual check-in times as a class, in small groups and/or individually.
Accommodations and Additional Supports: Accommodations and additional supports will be provided as required, to students eligible for special education services (and IEP) or for those students with a Section 504 Plan. Additionally, special educators and related service providers will collaborate with teachers, sharing the available options to support students through available resources as well as through phone, email or virtual conferencing.
Assessments: Students should know that SOLs will not take place this academic year.
Technology: The school division is working on a plan to distribute iPads to all K-2 students who do not have siblings in grades 3-12 who have already received a school computer. This distribution will take place after spring break.
On behalf of our entire CRES staff, remind your children we miss them. In times like these, it’s more important than ever to embrace our community spirit of togetherness. I’m touched with how our staff and community has come together to support each other as we all adjust to our new normal. Lots of hugs & love from Ms. Crummie! 🥰
March Memories
