{"id":9338,"date":"2020-10-22T04:00:17","date_gmt":"2020-10-22T08:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/?p=9338"},"modified":"2020-10-27T15:54:36","modified_gmt":"2020-10-27T19:54:36","slug":"more-details-on-phased-reentry-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/more-details-on-phased-reentry-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"More Details on Phased Reentry Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, after a robust discussion about the proposed phased reentry plan for the reopening of our schools, the School Board unanimously approved the Virtual PLUS+ Phased Reentry Plan with some contingencies.<\/p>\n

The School Board voted to pursue a phased-in approach for in-person learning for students grades Pre-K through 12, beginning with our most vulnerable Students with Disabilities and English Learners, and later consider expanding student participation, contingent upon staffing and building capacity.<\/p>\n

While this is a positive step forward, we have to remain cautious of our capabilities given the changing landscape we live in. Please know that our phase-in plans are solely contingent on adequate staffing and sufficient building capacity while adhering to the CDC\u2019s social distancing guidelines – which were updated to be even more stringent just prior to this week\u2019s School Board meeting.<\/p>\n

We concluded that presently, due to constraints of building capacity and staff, we would only be able to bring back the remainder of the K-5 and 6-8 students, one day a week. As a result, we made a decision that one day a week would be impractical to implement and not a good option for students at this time. To that end, we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff, and provide the best educational programming possible during these unprecedented and difficult times.<\/p>\n

We believe it is prudent to be methodical and strategic rather than create a situation which presents more challenges and false expectations by moving too swiftly. The path to get to this point has been complex and we may still be required to close schools or classrooms or sections of buildings again once we transition some of our students into in-person learning due to the uncertainties that the pandemic brings.<\/p>\n

Our phased re-entry plan is ever evolving and creates a path for our team to move forward and pivot when needed. Simultaneously, we will continue to refine our Virtual PLUS+ program through adjustments to the schedules, enhanced professional learning and feedback from families and staff to make the virtual experience even more engaging and effective.<\/p>\n

Our School Board, superintendent, staff, students and families will continue to work collaboratively; especially during these unprecedented times to find solutions, ask the right questions, provide guidance and instill confidence in our decision-making. We will provide continuous updates on our reopening planning and transition of students at the following School Board meetings: Nov. 12 and 23, Dec. 3 and 17, and Jan. 21.<\/p>\n

We need to pull together and support each other, now more than ever, which will ensure we all come out stronger in the end.<\/p>\n

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Superintendent of Schools<\/span><\/p>\n

Board Vote on the Phased Reentry Plan<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Virtual PLUS+ Phased Reentry: Enhanced Continuity of Learning Plan 5.0 ensures a safe and healthy school environment for our students, staff and families. This plan continues to ensure fidelity to Virtual PLUS+ while planning for a phased-in approach for reopening schools and buildings. As we work to reopen, we will continue to seek feedback from our leaders, staff, students, families, and community as well as provide progress updates based upon data and feasibility factors. This plan will start on Nov. 5 and expand through the second semester.<\/span><\/p>\n

View the plan on the ACPS Virtual PLUS+ website<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

For highlights of the Virtual PLUS+ Phased Reentry Plan (Transition to Hybrid) see the <\/b>ACPS website<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Key Reentry Dates<\/b><\/h2>\n