VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Virginia Beach City Public Schools have provided VBCPS families with an update to schools reopening plan for fall.
Superintendent Aaron Spence updated student's families with on the city's schools COVID-19 response. Spence says he would love for in-person learning to return in the fall; however, he mentioned that VBCPS must review the best practices and recommendations from the governor, the VDH, the CDC, and the VDOE.
VBCPS says they are also reviewing and considering the VDOE’s option of submitting a variance that would enable schools to open in the fall as normal, regardless of state recommendations, but with guidance from local health experts.
Spence says he will explore options during a board retreat on July 7 and July 8.
VBCPS has created another survey about scenarios for schools reopening plans. VBCPS previously issued a survey in June, but they say the new survey includes another scenario.
Three scenarios VBCPS has considered includes:
- Scenario 1: Schools reopen as close to what we think of as normal, with some public health mitigation strategies in place.
- Scenario 2: Schools reopen with physical distancing and other public health mitigation strategies in place. Physical distancing requirements would necessitate a hybrid instructional plan that would include a combination of face-to-face instruction and remote learning.
- Scenario 3: Schools would remain closed, and a remote learning plan would provide a high quality and rigorous learning experience with graded classwork assignments---something closer to what might be experienced while in school, while still recognizing the challenges we face while doing so remotely.
The survey is available through Parent Portal.
In regards to school sports, the Virginia High School League (VHSL) announced earlier this month that schools would be allowed to resume off-season workouts once a health plan has been submitted to the VDOE.
In addition, all athletes must have a current athletic physical on-file with the school.
For parents and guardians of students with an individualized education program (IEP), a survey will be provided, which the VDOE will use to collect the necessary data to report.
The VDOE will use the results of the survey to improve parental involvement in the special education process and improve outcomes for all students within the Commonwealth. Responses are recorded anonymously and cannot be linked to a specific student.
Parents who have more than one child receiving special education services may submit one survey for each child receiving services.
To access the English Version of the survey, click here.
To access the Spanish Version of the survey, click here.
The deadline to complete the surveys is December 18.
