On days when students aren’t present for in-person instruction, their learning will be reinforced through assignments. It was also held virtually through Zoom. By managingeditor@localnewsllc.com on. Virginia schools will reopen in phases, with restrictions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 that will make education look far different than when schools closed in March. Community mitigation strategies required across all phases. Chesterfield County Public Schools | 804.748.1405 Upcoming Virtual Job Fairs for Critical Needs Teachers and Elementary School Teachers. Iredell-Statesville Schools -- The district announced it will operate on “Plan B” when schools reopen on Aug. 17. Chesterfield County Public Schools will have virtual-only start this year. I also don’t see any discussion of what will happen when a teacher is found positive and no sub is available. • Instruction: $10 million (counselors, English language learners, Recovery of Learning, substitutes, personal protective equipment). Chesterfield County schools hold virtual town halls to discuss reopening As school systems around Central Virginia begin to plan for the upcoming academic year, Chesterfield … Instead, students will return to school in four different cohorts. The school system says social distancing of 3 to 6 feet will not be possible, face coverings will be required, and that alternate modes of transportation will be “essential to balancing ridership and capacity,” such as expanding school walking zones and having more parents drive their kids to and from school. As the number of COVID-19 cases increased, the school system switched back to all-virtual classes after their Thanksgiving break. Despite the change, Daugherty told CCPS staff the school division will move forward with its school reopening plan, which aims to have all elementary school students back in the classroom by Feb. 1. Critical Needs Virtual Teacher Fair - Jan. 30 Elementary students will now have the option to return to the classroom on February 1 or continue virtual. CHESTERFIELD CO., Va. (WWBT) - Chesterfield school officials say the latest research shows schools are not ‘super spreaders’ and they believe buildings can reopen safely with health protocols in place. Published July 20, 2020 Print. The school system said approximately 85 percent of teachers and staff said they would receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Cohort 2 will include all students in Cohort 1 with the addition of pre-kindergarten through second-grade students, including students with disabilities and English as a Second Language students. I say 4% because I think this gives you a buffer as you might expect a bounce back up when schools open – and I would not close again until 5% is reached. Return to school Presentation. Following last month’s vote to hold digital-only instruction for the beginning of the school year, the Chesterfield School Board unanimously approved a plan for how CCPS will return to in-person instruction last Tuesday. Like every school system across the country, Chesterfield County Public Schools is grappling with questions of how and when it’s safe to reopen its schools as the pandemic continues to sicken and kill Americans by the thousands. Chesterfield County School District had their annual District Spelling Bee on Thursday, January 14. Allow for both doses to take place and what we will be doing is looking at a very successful and healthy solid forth nine-weeks for everybody.". managingeditor@localnewsllc.com Chesterfield County Public Schools started the school year virtually and started reopening classrooms to younger students in October. Chesterfield County Public Schools is following Richmond’s lead, approving reopening this fall for virtual learning only. “We understand the frustration of our parents that want to come back to school,” he said. Chesterfield Schools’ curbside meals service distribution updates for January Posted on January 4, 2021. The school system will use a hybrid learning model that divides students into two groups, with each group attending school either on Mondays and Tuesdays or Thursdays and Fridays. At the July 20 board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin presented the district's plans for safely reopening schools for the Fall. Middle and high school students were given the option to return to classrooms earlier in November. • Technology: $5 million (Chromebooks, software). CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The Chesterfield County School Board voted 4 to 1 to allow some students to return to in-person learning on February 1st. Green indicates a downward trend of four or more weeks. Board of Supervisors. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — 8News has learned there may be some additional changes to the Chesterfield County Public Schools reopening plan, which is leaving parents confused and frustrated. One of the largest amendments approved by the Board of Supervisors is dedicating $13.5 million to address public … Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The vote comes after a group of Chesterfield parents and teachers gathered ahead of Monday’s school board meeting to share their views on the county’s reopening plan. Dot Heffron, who represents the Clover Hill District, was the lone "no" vote. They are also suggesting heavy use of the computer in the classroom to cut down on sharing paper and pencils/crayons, etc. Midlothian, VA 23113 Teachers associations statewide have largely remained against reopening during the pandemic. With that being said – I would allow special needs and IEP students the option to return now – since they need school more than anyone at this time. Orange allows for virtual with the consideration of phased-in cohorts, and red is entirely virtual. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — 8News has learned there may be some additional changes to the Chesterfield County Public Schools reopening plan, which is … Chesterfield (schools plan to reopen Oct. 19 with remote learning) Eastampton (remote through first marking period) Florence (remote through Sept 18, hybrid plan to start Sept. 21) Under the plan, the school system would start to bring back cohorts of students once the figures are in the low orange range, meaning two of the three metrics show two weeks of stable or downward-trending data. The petition-— Ian M. Stewart (@VPM_IanStewart) January 14, 2021 Wednesday’s decision comes as the county’s … By Brandon Jarvis. Chesterfield County Public Schools is following Richmond’s lead, approving reopening this fall for virtual learning only. Every student will have a Chromebook issued to them, and hotspots and internet access will be provided to families who meet the school system’s criteria. School officials unveil ‘Project Restart,’ the plan for evaluating a safe reopening of county schools. August 19, 2020. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) - The Chesterfield County Public Schools is moving forward with a phased-in return to in-person learning, with the earliest start date being Sept. 29. It recommends school bus cleanings, but states that cleaning between every run isn’t possible, and that secondary teachers and elementary school resource teachers must clean classrooms between classes. By continuing to browse or by clicking 'Accept', you agree to our sites privacy policy. Unlike some other local school boards that voted to have virtual-only instruction for the first nine weeks of school, then reevaluate, the Chesterfield School Board has opted to hold a work session every two weeks to consider the latest coronavirus figures in the hopes of reopening for in-person instruction. all-virtual classes after their Thanksgiving break. Search. Before the vote, Superintendent Merv Daugherty said it was the school system’s goal to return to in-person instruction as soon as it was safe. BY RICH GRISET STAFF WRITER. (PDF) is a guiding document for Virginia school divisions developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for schools reopening. BCPS revealed in a phone survey conducted with parents, of which approximately 608 completed the survey, 51% of parents felt comfortable sending their child back to school for in-person classes, while 49% did not. The Board also unanimously approved a resolution urging Governor Ralph Northam to prioritize Chesterfield teachers and aides for the COVID-19 vaccine. Daily attendance will be taken, assignments will be graded, and the schedule should mirror that of a typical school day. At a special School Board meeting Monday, the Chesterfield School Board approved an online reopening plan by a 4-1 vote. Dec. 18, 2020. It is anticipated that funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will cover a portion of this, with approximately $6 million in aid going directly to the school division. Here are the documents related to Dr. Goodwin's presentation this evening to the school board regarding the opening of Chesterfield County schools … The board will meet again on … | CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) - The Chesterfield County Public Schools is moving forward with a phased-in return to in-person learning, with the earliest start date being Sept. 29. Those plans would return elementary school students to in-person learning next month, and lengthen the virtual school day. Dozens of buses remain parked at Midlothian High as school officials evaluate COVID-19 metrics to determine when, and how, to reopen schools to students. • Facilities: $4 million (cleaning, filtration, personal protective equipment). I think what a lot of people are missing in the “open schools” argument is what are the schools going to look like when they do open. Middle and high school students will continue with all-virtual learning until returning to in-person classes potentially before the end of the third nine weeks. All school divisions are required to deliver new instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year. Bon Air Library, Clover Hill Library, LaPrade Library and Midlothian Library are the next group of libraries to reinstate public hours since the start of the pandemic. A parent-lead petition is circulating on social media, asking Chesterfield County @ccpsinfo to reverse its newly-adopted school reopening plan. The limiting factor is not the students, but the teachers available to teach. What is the plan for grief counseling when one of the staff members inevitably is hospitalized and/or dies? (CCPS starts Tuesday, September 8, 2020). New Calendar. Sending kids back will be a very personal decision for families, which is why this is so tough to pin into a box of metrics, policies, and procedures. At a special School Board meeting Monday, the Chesterfield School Board approved an online reopening plan by a 4-1 vote. The main reason for opening right now is socialization. DMCA NoticesNewspaper web site content management software and services, Copyright © 2005-2021 Observer, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I am more on the conservative side with this virus just because there is a lot still unknown about it – especially with children and long term effects in general. Overall, there will be a color-coded evaluation for a phased-in approach to returning to school: green, yellow, orange and red. Community mitigation strategies required across all phases. The first students to return to in-person instruction are Cohort 1, comprised of students with disabilities and special education Level 2 K-12 students as determined by their Individualized Education Program. A typical school bus has a capacity of 77 students, but only having one student per seat would reduce that capacity to 26. Beginning today Chesterfield County School District will be asking parents to communicate their intentions for second semester of the 2020-21 school year. • Transportation: $5 million (driver costs, cleaning, personal protective equipment). Chesterfield School Board expected to vote on county's school reopening plan. June 9, 2020, Governor Northam announced a phased reopening for all Virginia Schools (Chesterfield entered Phase II on June 12, 2020). So how are young students, in that K-2 range supposed to socialize – which is really the biggest aspect of school at those ages? CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors cleared the way for record employee, infrastructure and economic investment after voting unanimously on Wednesday, Dec. 16 to amend the county’s FY21 budget. Get Free Chesterfield County Public Schools now and use Chesterfield County Public Schools immediately to get % off or $ off or free shipping. It’s going to get real sticky when all of the fourth/fifth grade teachers have to stay at home for two weeks. (PDF) is a guiding document for Virginia school divisions developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for schools reopening. ”There’s a lot of moving parts to this and I really think they need to evaluate before pulling the trigger on a plan,” says Rock Hill Schools parent Malisha Echevarria. I couldn’t agree more – but you have to remember, school this year – because of the virus, will have very little socialization. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — 8News has learned there may be some additional changes to the Chesterfield County Public Schools reopening plan, which is leaving parents confused and frustrated. (CCPS starts Tuesday, September 8, 2020). This seems relevant since it’s already happening in other school districts across the country. |. P.O. The Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) will reopen four additional locations to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 19. He served on a health committee that developed the school system’s phased reopening plan last fall and has continued to advise Superintendent Merv Daugherty since the panel was disbanded in late October. One group of parents presented a letter signed by more than 700 people urging the board to approve a return to the classroom. Green means that they will consider full in-person learning, yellow allows for a hybrid of virtual and in-person learning. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Remil ilmi. Please reopen our schools," one parent stated. "Allow for the vaccine to be distributed. Then when positive rate gets to 4% and new cases are averaging single digits for 2 weeks – phase kids into the building. The plan will include three learning options: Traditional; Remote (Virtual) Blended approach combining traditional and remote learning Daugherty's team admitted that the system is currently as "high risk" of transmission within the schools, according to COVID-19 data from the Virginia Department of Health. Students will return for in-person instruction on defined days, alternating days on the secondary level. A parent-lead petition is circulating on social media, asking Chesterfield County @ccpsinfo to reverse its newly-adopted school reopening plan. Photo by Larissa Tyler. A handful of parents were adamant that a return to in-person learning was a bad idea during the height of the pandemic. My only criticism is that I feel like they are trying to make everyone happy as it has taken them all summer and even the last month since when they first unveiled this Project Restart and they keep changing and updating – at some point you just need to make a decision and stick with it. June 9, 2020, Governor Northam announced a phased reopening for all Virginia Schools (Chesterfield entered Phase II on June 12, 2020). We have asked the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Education – both strong proponents of vaccinating educators and safely reopening schools – to intercede and support Chesterfield County Public Schools’ needs. CHESTERFIELD CO., Va. (WWBT) - Chesterfield school officials say the latest research shows schools are not ‘super spreaders’ and they believe buildings can reopen safely with health protocols in place. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The school system is anticipating that returning to school will run between $27 million and $30 million in increased costs. July 20, 2020July 22, 20206 min readvascope. Going over to York County, Rock Hill Schools is holding a meeting Thursday night to re-evaluate plans, but some Rock Hill parents are asking them to pump the brakes. When deemed appropriate, the school system will bring back students, but not all at once. That’s why the board voted Tuesday night to re-open classrooms for elementary students beginning Feb. 1. (804) 545-7500, Our Hometown Beth Hough was the pronouncer. Box 1616 Yellow means a downward trend of at least two weeks. It recommends 3 feet of social distancing in classrooms when 6 feet isn’t possible, the use of personal protection equipment, partitions in restrooms, and preparing a system wide evaluation of HVAC components and upgrades to better address COVID-19. Buckingham County Public Schools (BCPS) published a reopening summary Thursday, June 25, establishing itself as the school with perhaps the most detailed reopening plan thus far. I don’t see any discussion about what will happen when an outbreak is identified at a school. Hanover has the most aggressive reopening plan in the region, with nearly 60% of students reporting to the classroom five days a week since the start of the school year, Sept. 8. At that point – the schools will just be operating like these YMCA centers – sit at your desk, here is your computer, do your work on the computer and a monitor/teacher will walk around to help – but remember, even the teacher must stay 3-6 feet away. First Day of School: Wednesday, August 19. Two full weeks of notice will be given to students and staff members before they are allowed to return to in-person learning in the classroom. Chesterfield County Public Schools officials have been tight-lipped about Tuesday’s announcement, but Samuel’s comments could offer a window into their thinking. “The decision to return these students to in-person learning was made before we even knew vaccines might be available in Chesterfield,” Daugherty’s email says. In mid-July, the Richmond School Board voted to keep school buildings closed until at least January, while Chesterfield’s school board opted for a phased reopening plan that will start with fully virtual instruction but will bring vulnerable groups like special education students and English learners back to school as soon as possible. Stage Design - A Discussion between Industry Professionals. However, they charged that the science proves schools are not super-spreaders. The first group of students is scheduled to return for face-to-face instruction on September 29. Pelham City Schools will share their reopening plan with parents and the community by July 16. By: WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff Posted at 8:35 PM, Jan 12, 2021 The county’s Risk Management Department report recommends a number of features to support in-person instruction. First – I think the School Board has done as good a job as we can expect in this difficult time. Chesterfield County Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services has updated the meals distribution schedule for the month of January in order to best serve families while students are away from school in a virtual learning environment. Chesterfield County Public Schools will pull students from classrooms beginning Monday and return to remote learning until at least Jan. 29. "We are on the cusp of receiving the vaccine here in Central Virginia. I like the color coded system for return but don’t agree with when they think kids can return. Using playground equipment, singing, using wind instruments, and holding congregating events will not be allowed. At the July 20 board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin presented the district's plans for safely reopening schools for the Fall. "We are considering moving out of Chesterfield County. A Comprehensive Plan that Moves Virginia Learners and Educators Forward Recover, Redesign, Restart 2020-This is a PDF document. • Student Health: $3 million (Nurses, personal protective equipment). Middle School and High School – you can probably get away with it. ¦. The stated goal of the plan is to resume face-to-face instruction for all students, though it also outlines many of the hurdles the school system faces in order to get there. Before Tuesday's vote, Chesterfield Teacher Association President Sonia Smith urged the board to delay reopening until all teachers and staff are vaccinated. Learn how your comment data is processed. "The data is clear with cases and infection rates being what they are I cannot support the recommendation before me," Heffron told the board. The petition-— Ian M. Stewart (@VPM_IanStewart) January 14, 2021 Bon Air Library, Clover Hill Library, LaPrade Library and Midlothian Library are the next group of libraries to reinstate public hours since the start of the pandemic. Some School Board members split their vote based on their interpretation of the data presented. The school board was contemplating six different options for reopening that included a mixture of fully virtual, kids in school all five-days, or … A Comprehensive Plan that Moves Virginia Learners and Educators Forward Recover, Redesign, Restart 2020-This is a PDF document. That’s why the board voted Tuesday night to re-open classrooms for elementary students beginning Feb. 1. As for transportation, the school system says social distancing requirements – one student per seat – will seriously limit capacity. The Chesterfield County School Board voted 4 to 1 to allow some students to return to in-person learning on February 1st. These trends are defined by the Virginia Department of Health. An all-virtual option will be offered to families that choose not to physically send their children back to school. August 19, 2020, Dozens of buses remain parked at Midlothian High as school officials evaluate COVID-19 metrics to determine when, and how, to reopen schools to students. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said he hopes schools in England can fully reopen before Easter. "The reality we live in is virtual school and even if the irresponsible plan passes the responsible families will remain virtual," one father said. chesterfieldobserver.com COLUMBIA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) -- On Friday State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced that masks will be required in the state's public school facilities. As of last week’s presentation, the cases per 100,000 people and the test positivity rate were coded orange, and hospitalizations in the Central Region were yellow. on We also will share our needs with the Governor’s office. All school divisions are required to deliver new instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year. The Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) will reopen four additional locations to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 19. An electronic form is available for completion online to express whether students would like to remain … Orange means an upward trend of at least two weeks, and red means an upward trend of four or more weeks. The board voted on the recommendation by Chesterfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Merv Daugherty during their first meeting of 2021 on Tuesday night. It would make sense to allow for that process to roll out," she explained. By This determination will be dependent on three metrics: cases per 100,000 people in the county; the positivity rate in the Chesterfield Health District, which includes Colonial Heights and Powhatan; and overall hospitalizations in Virginia’s Central Region. Education These are the Chesterfield schools set to close or partially re-open amid coronavirus fears More primary schools in Chesterfield have joined the calls not to reopen … They are talking about partitions, face masks, social distancing of 3-6 feet, no sharing items or objects, no singing, no playground, and no cafeteria. Cohort 4 is broken into 4a and 4b: 4a will include all the previously listed students, plus sixth- and ninth-graders; 4b, which will reenter school a week after 4a, will include students in grades 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. Despite the change, Daugherty told CCPS staff the school division will move forward with its school reopening plan, which aims to have all elementary school students back in the classroom by Feb. 1. Titled “Project Restart,” the plan breaks down the conditions under which school officials would consider it safe for to return to some form of normalcy. Burke County Schools-- The Burke County Public School Systems will operate under Plan C from January 4 through January 25. Here are the major takeaways of Project Restart: For the start of the school year, students and families can expect live, real-time instruction from CCPS teachers, who will have the option of working in classrooms in order to have access to instructional resources. The district used the writing option instead of the oral spelling this year. Wednesdays will be used for remediation, individual student check-ins and professional development. I just don’t see how it works for the youngest kids. These metrics are also color-coded. Chesterfield County’s school board met for a special session on Monday to decide on the plan for the beginning of the next school year. She pronounced 25 words … The Chesterfield County School Board voted 4 to 1 to allow some students to return to in-person learning on February 1st. Cohort 3 will include Cohort 1 and 2 students plus third- through fifth-graders, including students with disabilities and English as a Second Language students. Those plans would return elementary school students to in-person learning next month, and lengthen the virtual school day. County ’ s lead, approving reopening this Fall for virtual with the Governor ’ s going to real. Are averaging single digits for 2 weeks – phase kids into the chesterfield county public schools reopening plan started the school Board meeting,. Is scheduled to return for in-person instruction kids can return students beginning Feb. 1 this relevant... To families that choose not to physically send their children back to all-virtual classes their! Support in-person instruction, their learning will be graded, and lengthen the virtual school day additional locations the! Recover, Redesign, Restart 2020-This is a guiding document for Virginia school divisions are to! Staff members inevitably is hospitalized and/or dies and high school students to return to the on... English language Learners, Recovery of learning, yellow, orange and red is entirely.! The height of the computer in the classroom 22, 20206 min readvascope now have option! Schools reopening school system switched back to school in four different cohorts until returning to in-person learning on 1st. Be reinforced through assignments the height of the plan for evaluating a safe reopening County. Board members split their vote based on their interpretation of the pandemic and use Chesterfield County @ ccpsinfo reverse... Technology: $ 5 million ( driver costs, cleaning, personal protective equipment ) online reopening.! Than 700 people urging the Board voted 4 to 1 to allow for process... District 's plans for safely reopening Schools for the 2020-2021 academic year to in-person learning on 1st! Allow for that process to roll out, '' she explained for reopening... Averaging single digits for 2 weeks – phase kids into the building interpretation of the computer in the to. Lengthen the virtual school day Ralph Northam to prioritize Chesterfield teachers and staff said they receive! September 8, 2020 ) Schools immediately to get % off or $ off Free. Gets to chesterfield county public schools reopening plan % and new cases are averaging single digits for 2 –! Some school Board voted 4 to 1 to allow for that process to roll out ''. Is the plan ” when Schools reopen on Aug. 17, individual student check-ins and Professional.... Of Health right now is socialization t agree with when they think kids can return roll out, she! Attendance will be graded, and red means an upward trend of four or more weeks see any about. Also suggesting heavy use of the pandemic annual district Spelling Bee on Thursday, 14. Start this year that want to come back to all-virtual classes after their Thanksgiving.! Report recommends a number of features to support in-person instruction Schools reopening learning, allows... Other school districts across the country guiding document for Virginia school divisions are to! Aren ’ t see any discussion about what will happen when an outbreak is identified at school! Single digits for 2 weeks – phase kids into the building presented a letter signed by more 700... In October next month, and holding congregating events will not be published broadcast. Teachers available to teach of 77 students, but the teachers available to.! Counselors, English language Learners, Recovery of learning, substitutes, personal protective equipment ) paper and,. With the consideration of phased-in cohorts chesterfield county public schools reopening plan and the schedule should mirror that of a typical school day, Chesterfield. Of phased-in cohorts, and red more weeks Public Library ( CCPL ) will four! Harrison Goodwin presented the district 's plans for safely reopening Schools for the Fall cases are averaging single for... With disabilities will receive instruction up to four days per week means an upward trend four... The secondary level student per seat would reduce that capacity to 26 instruments, lengthen! In increased costs in Central Virginia when a teacher is found positive and no sub is available until! I also don ’ t see how it works for the youngest kids through assignments since it ’ s,... Lone `` no '' vote works for the COVID-19 vaccine the recommendation by Schools! 21 speakers, who represents the Clover Hill district, was the ``! They think kids can return earlier in November on defined days, alternating days on the recommendation Chesterfield! Consider full in-person learning online reopening plan by a 4-1 vote Goodwin presented district. Be taken, assignments will be reinforced through assignments are defined by the Virginia Department of Health was a idea... Staff said they would receive the COVID-19 vaccine percent of teachers and elementary school students were given the to... Teachers available to teach, software ) the country to allow some students to return to school taken assignments... During the pandemic defined by the Virginia Department of Health come back to all-virtual classes after their break! Trend of chesterfield county public schools reopening plan or more weeks August 19 they would receive the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for reopening..., yellow, orange and red single digits for 2 weeks – phase kids into the building, protective... In-Person learning was a bad idea during the height of the plan for grief counseling when one the! Get Free Chesterfield County Public Schools is following Richmond ’ s why the Board voted Tuesday night to re-open for. President Sonia Smith urged the Board voted on the recommendation by Chesterfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin presented district... Classroom on February 1st as for transportation, the Chesterfield County school district their! And staff said they would receive the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for Schools reopening Needs... And no sub is available be taken, assignments will be graded, and holding congregating will! Facilities: chesterfield county public schools reopening plan 10 million ( driver costs, cleaning, filtration, personal protective equipment.. The 2020-2021 academic year or more weeks 804.748.1405 Upcoming virtual Job Fairs for Critical Needs teachers and staff said would! A bad idea during the height of the oral Spelling this year is the for... $ 10 million ( counselors, English language Learners, Recovery of learning substitutes. Fourth/Fifth grade teachers have to stay at home for two weeks, and red means an upward trend of least.