{"id":9353,"date":"2020-10-28T04:00:05","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T08:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/?p=9353"},"modified":"2020-10-28T05:00:47","modified_gmt":"2020-10-28T09:00:47","slug":"finding-fit-starts-again-last-chance-to-take-the-renaming-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.acpsk12.org\/staff\/finding-fit-starts-again-last-chance-to-take-the-renaming-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Fit Starts Again & Last Chance to Take the Renaming Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that we have the School Board\u2019s approval to pursue a phased-in approach for in-person learning for students in grades pre-K through 12, beginning with our most vulnerable Students with Disabilities and English Learners, it is time for us to make the vision a reality. The Board also included in its motion that we later consider expanding student in-person participation, contingent upon staffing and building capacity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After we concluded through our planning sessions and School Board meeting that bringing back students one day a week is not the most conducive approach for students, given that it presents significant disruptions that can impede teaching and learning, we have committed to work through these constraints to continue with our phased-in reentry plan. Also, we will continue to deliver and refine our Virtual PLUS+ Learning Model and explore innovative ways to make sure that all students are experiencing academic growth tailored to their individual needs. As we develop more details, we will share them with you and continue our successful collaborative feedback loop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We have teams working on every practicality, building out and testing multiple scenarios as we figure out how to incorporate the CDC guidelines into a school environment. Today, we are including a reminder about how we will be adjusting the schedules for our youngest learners to decrease the amount of time they need to spend on Zoom, to take effect on Tuesday, Nov. 10.<\/span><\/p>\n

On Thursday, we will spend time at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School engaged in a simulation of how the school day will look with in-person learning while adjusting and refining as we go along and preparing for the most feasible options in an ever-changing landscape. As much as we all want to see our students back in class where they learn best, our plans depend on both the trends of COVID-19 in our community as well as our staffing resources and building capacity. As winter approaches, we are again in uncharted territory and nobody can predict the course of this virus. We always hope for the best and will continue to prepare for whatever we may face in these coming months. In the meantime, we can have every confidence in the Virtual PLUS+ program which continues to develop and grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

In less than a month, the School Board will vote on whether to change the names of both T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School. It is an important decision that has made us look inward at our history and our attitude on racial equity. As part of our continuing community outreach, this month our students at both Maury and T.C. are learning about their school history to allow them to be informed about their school\u2019s namesake and past. You can discover more about this fascinating program below.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is your final chance to have your say ahead of the renaming decision by the Board. The <\/span>school renaming survey closes TODAY at 11:59 p.m.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Finally, please note that Election Day on Nov. 3 is a Teacher Work Day and there will be no school for students. For those of our students newly eligible to vote, this is a big moment and a privilege. Please make your voice heard and exercise your right to vote.\u00a0<\/span><\/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

Finding Fit Newsletter Launches<\/h2>\n

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Stay safe, stay healthy, stay informed! Starting this November, a monthly ACPS Finding Fit newsletter will be available for employees. You can find it on the <\/span>ACPS Finding Fit webpage<\/span><\/a> or through the Wellness Champion at your school\/location. In each newsletter we will be sharing monthly health tips, a list of wellness resources available, and much more!<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know November is National Diabetes Awareness Month? Also, cabin fever during social distancing is a real thing. What to hear more and learn coping tips? <\/span>Check out the November ACPS Finding Fit newsletter<\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

Today is the Last Day to Take The Identity Project Survey!<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Don\u2019t miss out on having your say about whether ACPS should change the names of T.C. Williams High School and\/or Matthew Maury Elementary School. ACPS has been conducting an anonymous survey in recent weeks to canvas community feeling on the subject. <\/span>The survey will close TONIGHT at 11:59 p.m.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Identity Project: The Importance of Teaching Our Own History<\/b><\/h2>\n

As part of the community engagement process around considering changing the names of T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School, ACPS teachers have begun incorporating our own division history into the curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In class this week at both T.C. Williams and Maury, students are learning the facts about their school\u2019s namesake in an age appropriate manner so they can come to an informed decision about the path forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

In less than a month\u2019s time on Nov. 23, following extensive community discussion, the School Board will vote on the issue. T.C. Williams history teacher Ra’ Alim Shabazz introduced Thomas Chambliss Williams to his students this week. He wants to make sure they have a clear grasp of their school\u2019s namesake.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Maury, Andrea Houston is encouraging her fourth grade students to consider how their city has changed over the decades and what their school represents today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more about these history lessons<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s in a Name? Final Identity Project Community Conversation Tonight<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Tonight is the last of seven community and student forums to discuss the renaming of schools.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Identity Project: Community Conversation #3<\/b>
\n<\/span>Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Join us on Zoom<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Panelists: <\/span><\/p>\n