Pow hat an Coun t y Pub lic Sch ools

Ret u rn t o Learn in g 2020

A Pathway to Safely Reopen Schools

Insp ir in g Em pow erin g Inn ovat in g

Draft Published: July 28, 2020

Tab le of Con t en t sMessage from the Superintendent 1

Virginia?s Return to School Plan 2

Return to School Equity Planning 2

Powhatan County Public Schools Phase Overview 3

PCPS Health Plan 4COVID Team 4Training 5

Custodial/Maintenance Preventat ive Care 12

Transportat ion 13

School Nutrit ion 13

Athlet ics and Extracurricular Act ivit ies 13

Powhatan Pathways to Learning 14Pathway I - Powhatan Virtual Classroom 14Pathway II - Face-to-Face Instruct ion Continuum 15

Ident ificat ion of Student Needs 19

Schedule Samples 20

Technology 24

Not ificat ion of Intent to Vary 25

Professional Development 25

Special Populat ions 27

Community Engagement and Communicat ion 27

Parent Training 27

Mental and Emot ional Well-Being 28

Frequent ly Asked Quest ions 30

Appendix 32

1

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Powhatan Community,

The challenges we have faced over the last few months have been too numerous to list here. These are unprecedented times

that are filled with stress, loss, and confusion. The ending of the 2019-2020 school year is just one example. While I remain

very proud of the work that our staff did to continue with student learning in an online environment, we know that we have to

do better in the coming year.

We want nothing more than to see our students back in school. Having the experience of seeing a handful of students in

summer school recently was the happiest I have been in quite some time. That being said, balancing the health and safety of

our students, staff, and the community at large with this desire to return to “normal” is the most challenging task I have

experienced in my 30-year education career.

The findings of our Return to Learning Taskforce were presented to the School Board on July 14, 2020. We are grateful for

the work that these 40 community members and staff completed to unravel many different options for returning to school.

Since then, we have received feedback from the School Board and countless emails and calls from community members with

questions and feedback. All of this feedback has been poured into the Return to Learning 2020-2021 plan before you.

We are providing two educational pathways for consideration and are asking families to select which one best meets their

needs:

Pathway I: Powhatan Virtual Classroom, an enhanced online option that will provide safe, at-home learning for students in

grades K-12. We have changed the name of this option to reflect improvements that we are making to differentiate from the

online experience in the spring. Note: This option requires a commitment of at least the first semester, OR

Pathway II: Face-to-Face Instruction Continuum, will provide as much in person learning as current health and safety

conditions allow. This pathway is truly a continuum because at one end we have a traditional full 5-day return to learning.

In the middle, we have a hybrid learning option that provides at least 2 days of face to face instruction. At the other end of

the continuum is Short-Term Virtual Learning that may be required for some or all students due to health and safety

concerns.

This plan provides many details on these two pathways, as well as health and safety protocols that we are putting in place.

Once families make their choice, we will be better able to predict how many students we can safely educate in Pathway II.

We believe that offering our families these two pathways is the best way to achieve our vision of Empowering Today to

Innovate Tomorrow. With the support of our entire community, we know that we can provide Powhatan’s most precious

resource, our students, a high quality education in a safe environment.

Stay safe and be well,

Eric L. Jones, PhD.

Superintendent

2

Virginia’s Return to School Plan

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, Governor Northam partnered with the

Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department

of Health (VDH) to issue guidance on the reopening of K12 schools

across the Commonwealth VDOE Phased Guidance, July 2020. Multiple

comprehensive documents were shared with divisions and Virginia

communities, outlining guidance for reopening, as well as extensive

mitigation measures to ensure staff and student safety. This guidance

document provides an overview of the three phases for reopening schools in order to provide

opportunities for new learning to take place. School divisions are required to create both a health plan

and an instructional plan. Each phase will provide guidance for programs, health, safety, and physical

distance recommendations.

Return to School Equity Planning

As we begin planning for return to school, it is important to provide equitable educational opportunities

to all students. Meeting the needs of PCPS students is especially important during this time. We will

continue to use guidance from VDOE to support our focus on continuity of learning and school recovery

planning. Equity will remain at the center of our work.

Key Guidance for Ensuring Equity during COVID

● Meet Student Needs First

● Ensure Equitable Access and Adequate Supports

● Centralize Communication to All Families

● Develop and Implement a Return to Learning Equity Audit

3

Powhatan County Public Schools Phase Overview

Phase I Phase II Phase III

Permissible In-

Person Instruction

and Building

Capacity

In-person instruction is allowed

for child care programs and

schools issued a variance.

Programs may be offered to

special education students with a

maximum class size of 10

students.

All previously permitted options,

plus in-person instruction for

preschool through 3rd grade;

English language learners

In-person instruction can be

offered for all students; however,

strict social distancing measures

should be implemented.

Gathering Limits Max size of 10 individuals per

room or bus

Gathering limit increased to 50 if

other social distancing measures are

in place.

Gathering limit increased to 250 if

other social distancing measures

are in place.

Social Distancing Enhanced strict social distancing

maintaining at least 6 feet.

Enhanced strict social distancing

maintaining at least 6 feet.

Enhanced strict social distancing

maintaining at least 6 feet. 3ft

social distancing is allowable with

face covering.

Bus Capacity

Physical distancing of 6 feet with

a maximum of 10 students

Physical distance should be created

between children on school buses

when possible.

Physical distance should be

created between children on

school buses when possible.

Health Screenings

and Temperature

Checks

Conduct daily self-health

screenings for symptoms and

history of exposure for students

and staff.

Conduct daily self-health screenings

for symptoms and history of

exposure for students and staff.

Conduct daily self-health

screenings for symptoms and

history of exposure for students

and staff.

Face Coverings All students, faculty, staff and

approved visitors are required to

wear a face covering while inside

any Powhatan County Public

School building, bus, or vehicle.

(Exception: students who are not

physically, developmentally, or

medically able to wear a face

covering) CDC-face coverings

All students, faculty, staff and

approved visitors are required to

wear a face covering while inside

any Powhatan County Public

School building, bus, or vehicle.

(Exception: students who are not

physically, developmentally, or

medically able to wear a face

covering)

All students, faculty, staff and

approved visitors are required to

wear a face covering while inside

any Powhatan County Public

School building, bus, or vehicle.

(Exception: students who are not

physically, developmentally, or

medically able to wear a face

covering)

Athletics,

Extracurricular

and Field Trips

Prohibited Limited athletics and extracurricular

activities with physical distancing

Limited athletics and

extracurricular activities with

physical distancing

*This model is based on the latest guidelines put forth by the Governor’s Office and the Virginia Department of Education, as well as recommendations from The U.S.

Center of Disease Control (CDC). Please continue to monitor our division website (www.powhatan.k12.va.us) for continued updates.

4

PCPS Health Plan

In All Phases, PCPS will:

● Establish and continue communication with local and state authorities to determine current

mitigation levels in our community.

● Identify, protect, and support vulnerable students and staff who are at higher risk for severe

illness by providing options for telework and virtual learning.

● Teachers will be provided guidance during the Phases when telework will be afforded to avoid

large numbers in the building. Governor’s orders and recommendations from the Virginia

Department of Health will also provide guidance when making this decision.

● Ensure that external community organizations that use the facilities also follow this guidance.

Powhatan County Public Schools, in partnership with the Powhatan County Health Department, has

followed necessary steps in accordance with CDC guidelines to enter into all phases of the Governor’s

order. This document will be used as our Health Plan for students and staff.

Powhatan County Public Schools has established a COVID Team to review policies and practices with

students and staff members. PCPS will also have a COVID-19 point of contact at each school. The

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will update guidance as needed during this fluid COVID-19 situation

and will be used by PCPS as important resources in deciding how to return to learning. Research on

COVID-19 constantly emerges, which, in turn, changes practice. Individuals should consult local and

state health departments as well as the CDC to keep current on changes to guidance.

Division COVID-19 Team

Dr. Lynn Clayton-Prince: Director of Special Education/Equity & Diversity

Mike Barak: Powhatan High School

Kathy Conner: Powhatan Middle School

Ella Helms: Pocahontas Elementary School

Harriette Jamerson, RN: Division Nurse, Powhatan Middle School

Jennifer Lawson, RN: Flat Rock Elementary School

Dr. Meredith Parker-Director of Human Resources

Dr. Martha Powers: Flat Rock Elementary School

Ashley Sloan, RN: Powhatan Elementary School

Arla Thompson, RN: Pocahontas Elementary School

Dr. Jason Tibbs-Director of Facilities

Cathy Vaden, RN: Powhatan High School

Isabella Worrell: Powhatan Elementary School

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Training

PCPS nurses have participated in training to equip them in working with students and staff members as

it relates to Health Services and COVID.

Health Services

School nurses and assistants will have professional development before the opening of school to discuss

plans for re-opening during COVID-19. Specific guidance will be provided on the following:

● Signs and symptoms of COVID-19

● Signs and symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

● Guidelines for when to call 911-emergency for COVID-19 symptoms

● Interim CPR guidelines

● The school nurse will contact the Health Department for consultation, as needed.

● Isolation rooms will be designated at each building and will be separate from the clinic (well-

visits only)

● School nurses will ensure that information about COVID-19 and safety precautions to mitigate

the spread of the virus is posted throughout the building

Teachers/Staff

Teachers and staff will be trained to use the COVID flow chart, procedures for social distancing and

reporting cases when brought to their attention.

● Adequate supplies to promote healthy hygiene habits at each school facility will be made

available.

● Signs and posters promoting healthy hygiene habits, as well as COVID-19 symptoms, will be

displayed prominently both inside and outside of school facilities.

● Staff will use face coverings when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

6

● Each school will be required to:

● Maintain adequate supplies to promote healthy hygiene.

● Provide signs and messaging to promote healthy hygiene.

● Promote physical distancing.

● Modify layouts of classrooms, communal areas, and buses to ensure social distancing is

maintained.

● Develop strategies for food/dining services; these should be consistent with plans to

optimize physical distancing.

● Limit size of gatherings consistent with Executive Orders and impose strict physical

distancing requirements during gatherings.

● Follow relevant Virginia Phase Guidance[1] for Schools and CDC guidance regarding

recreational sports for school-related athletics and other recreational activities.

Education Training Plan Students

Teachers/Administrators will inform students of preventative measures in the classroom and school

environment (hand washing, staying home if ill, etc.) Education will be part of student orientations and

information will be made available to all families. The preventative measures include:

● Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

● Use of face coverings

● Staying home when sick

● Encouraging physical distancing

Custodial

PCPS custodial staff will be trained on expected cleaning procedures during COVID, and will have a

cleaning schedule for each of the school buildings. The cleaning schedule will include regular disinfection

of high touch surfaces in common areas and entrances to classrooms and workspaces.

Promoting Behaviors That Reduce Spread of COVID-19

Preventative measure signs will be posted in high-traffic areas to help educate students and staff. This

will also be used to serve as a reminder of ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CDC, 2020

7

Healthy Hygiene Practices

PCPS will promote and train staff members in using optimal healthy hygiene practices, including

handwashing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Student, staff, and volunteers in a school

setting will be encouraged to wash hands or/use hand sanitizer:

● after blowing his/her nose, coughing, or sneezing.

● after using the restroom.

● before eating or preparing food.

● before and after touching his/her face.

● after contact with animals or pets and playing outside.

● before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child)

● before putting on and after removing gloves.

● after touching frequently touched areas (e.g., doorknobs, handrails, shared computers).

● before and after providing health care involving potentially infectious material, and before

putting on and after removing PPE, including gloves. Hand hygiene after removing PPE is

particularly important to remove any pathogens that might have been transferred to bare hands

during the removal process.

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Maintaining Healthy Environments

Students will be required to be self-screened by parents/guardians before coming to school.

Maintaining Healthy Operations

● Provisions will be made for staff and children at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

○ Staff who are at a greater risk for illness based upon medical documentation will be given

the option to telework if their role allows and their skillset is needed virtually.

○ Students who are at greater risk for illness or who will not adhere to wearing a face

covering will have the option of virtual learning or homebound instruction as deemed

necessary by a healthcare provider.

● Each school will establish guidelines regarding plans for gatherings, field trips and volunteer

restrictions consistent with any Executive Order in place.

● Students will not be penalized for remaining home while being sick. They will need to follow

the appropriate guidelines while being out.

● In-person gatherings will be limited to the number of individuals based on the most current

Executive Order in effect. Social distancing will be followed to the greatest extent possible.

Facial coverings will be required. Those who are ill or in quarantine based on CDC guidelines

will not be allowed to attend. Signage will be posted to reflect all requirements. Virtual events

will be encouraged in lieu of in-person gatherings (e.g., student assemblies, special

performances, school-wide parent meetings, and spirit nights).

● Students who test positive for COVID-19, have a suspected case, or are in quarantine due to

exposure will have the option of remote learning from home.

● When students are out of school due to illness:

○ they will be offered virtual learning, if possible.

○ they will have extra time to make up work or have extra instruction when they return.

● Upon receiving medical documentation confirming that an employee is at a higher risk for severe

illness from COVID-19, the division has considered the following options to support employees:

○ modified job duties

○ additional safety mitigations

○ teleworking if the job duties allow

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Preparing for When Someone Gets Sick

● When a student presents symptoms of COVID -19 while in school, they will be isolated from all

other students.

● Each school will be responsible for facilitating safe transportation of those who are sick to their

home or a healthcare facility.

● Each school/building will be responsible for cleansing and disinfection procedures of areas used

by sick individuals.

● The local health department will be notified to initiate public health investigation, conduct

contact tracing and provide consultation on next steps.

Communication in an Outbreak/Positive Case

● When a case is brought to the attention of the Division COVID team, we will follow the PCPS

protocol to notify the Powhatan Health Department. (See Flow Chart Appendix)

● A student or staff member who has been in contact with any student or staff member who tests

positive or who is presumed positive by a health care provider will be notified.

● Notification and contact tracing will be led by the Powhatan Health Department. PCPS will

assist the Health Department with this activity to the extent possible.

● Visitors to the school will be prohibited unless essential. Essential visitors will be by

appointment only and will be subject to a health screening upon entering the building.

● Students or staff presenting with COVID-19 symptoms will be assessed in a triage area of the

clinic and. if needed, moved to a separate isolation room and will be required to wear a face

covering as medically and developmentally appropriate.

● The area will be designated with markings to ensure social distancing.

● A non-contact thermometer will be used.

● Staff members conducting triage should wear a medical grade mask and should wear gloves if

there is contact with the ill student or staff member. N95 masks will be used when commercially

available.

● A parent/guardian or other family-designated adult will be required to pick up ill children. In

some cases, students who have a vehicle at school may be permitted to transport themselves.

● The area will be cleaned after each student.

● Parents/Guardians of students who have been out of school due to illness or quarantine must

communicate with the school nurse before returning to school. If a student has tested positive, a

medical clearance will be required. A medical provider clearance may be requested for other

suspected illnesses.

● The Powhatan County COVID team, in partnership with the Powhatan/Chesterfield Health

Department, will provide guidance to PCPS regarding responding to and managing all Powhatan

County employees affected by COVID-19 as the employer.

● Staff members who test positive for COVID-19 or who are quarantined due to COVID-19 must

communicate this information to Human Resources. Any employee who tests positive for

COVID-19 will be required to provide medical documentation of two negative tests in a row, 24

hours apart, and medical documentation from his/her healthcare provider that he/she may return

to work before being permitted to do so.

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● Staff may be eligible for up to 80 hours of Emergency Paid Sick Leave should they become sick,

need to quarantine, or need to care for an individual who needs to quarantine due to COVID-19.

Employees will be given the option to telework if their role allows and their symptoms do not

prohibit them from completing work requirements.

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Daily First Aid Procedures

First aid situations, to the degree possible, should be handled by the student and in the classroom to

prevent office congregation and possible cross exposure:

● Teachers and staff will be provided with first aid training.

● Classrooms will be provided a supply of gloves, Band-Aids, etc.

● To the extent possible, students will provide self-care with staff direction and physical

distancing.

● Teachers will provide a mask (if needed) to students in the classroom who report they are not

feeling well before sending them to the office.

The goal is to keep otherwise healthy students out of the clinic where they can be exposed to illness.

12

Custodial/Maintenance Preventative Care

PCPS has partnered with county administration to procure appropriate PPE supplies for school offices

and clinics. Students and staff will be required to bring/use their own face covering when entering the

buildings. Extra face masks will be provided for buses and classrooms in the event that students do not

bring them to school. The following resources will be provided:

Building Level

● PCPS facial covering - one per staff member

● Disposable masks - adult and youth sizes - available at each location

● Ample supply of hand soap and paper towels provided by SSC

● Foam hand sanitizing stations with signage throughout the building

● Hydro-static sprayers for disinfecting large areas - one per location

● Signage for students and staff, such as Social Distancing, Masks, Hand Washing will be

displayed prominently throughout the building

PCPS will hire additional custodial staff as well as adjust custodial work hours to support schools while

occupied by staff and students

Classroom/Workspace Cleaning Kit

● Hand sanitizer

● Sanitizing wipe canister

● Sanitizing spray and paper towels

Hygiene Practices

Cleaning and disinfection protocols will include frequently touched surfaces; transport vehicles;

schedules for increased cleaning, routine cleaning, and disinfection; ensuring adequate cleaning

supplies and correct use/storage.

Adequate instructional supplies will be provided to minimize sharing to the extent possible (e.g.

dedicated student supplies, lab equipment, computers, etc).

Ventilation systems will be checked and maintained to ensure circulation of outdoor air as much

as possible.

Increase the frequency of filter changes in all schools on all systems.

Run the ventilation units in occupied mode a few hours on the weekend, as they are currently

running minimally during weekends and closures.

13

Transportation

Transportation will be provided when students are receiving in-person instruction. To maintain the

health of students and staff the following steps will be implemented:

● One student will be permitted per seat to maximize transportation of students.

● All students must wear a face covering, as medically and developmentally appropriate.

● Siblings or those who live in the same household may share a seat.

● Bus drivers, bus attendants, and drivers of other county vehicles will use cloth face

coverings or face shields while transporting students.

● Buses that can safely open windows are encouraged to allow fresh air to circulate.

● Protocols for cleaning and disinfecting buses and county vehicles after each route

will be established and monitored.

● Student field trips will be suspended.

School Nutrition

PCPS has been committed to providing school lunches for students during the closure. In planning for

the fall, we will continue to provide meals for qualified students. To accomplish physical and social

distancing and avoid congregate gatherings, students will consume breakfast and lunch in their

classrooms. Trash pick-up and clean-up will be done by SSC staff.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

Athletics and extracurricular activities are critical components of the PK-12 school experience.

Following VDOE, CDC, and VHSL guidelines, PCPS has developed a Return to Play Plan in line with

our Health Plan. Athletic coaches have received specific safety-related information pertaining to their

sport/activity. Additional information will be provided as VHSL solidifies the 2020-21 plan for athletics

and extracurricular activities.

14

Powhatan Pathways to Learning

Pathway I - Powhatan Virtual Classroom

An enhanced online option that will provide safe, at-home learning for students in grades PK-12. We

have changed the name of this option to reflect improvements that we are making to differentiate from

the online experience in the spring. Note: This option requires a commitment of at least the first

semester.

● Schoology will be our digital learning management system (LMS) and serve as the primary

access point for all instruction and materials

● Students will have access to technology needed to effectively participate in the Powhatan Virtual

Classroom. This includes a Chromebook and internet hotspot as needed

● Students will follow a consistent daily schedule that will provide engaging online instruction,

including virtual two-way interactions with teachers and classmates

● All classes, including electives and resource classes, will be offered virtually

● Students will follow instructional curriculum in a manner similar to students participating in the

Face-to-Face Instruction Continuum

● Students will participate in both scheduled real-time (synchronous) learning through video

conferencing sessions and independent (asynchronous) learning experiences.

● Some optional live sessions and recorded video instruction may be offered/viewed outside of

normal school hours

● Hard copies of materials will be provided to students as needed and can be picked up from

school

● Attendance in virtual class live sessions is required and will be recorded daily

● Grades will be assigned as if students were in a physical classroom with robust teacher feedback

15

● The initial focus will be on social-emotional wellness, re-acclimating students to the learning

environment, reestablishing a sense of community, assessing where learning gaps may exist and

re-engaging students in content to get them excited about learning

● Effort will be made to assign students to teachers they will have if/when they return to in-person

learning

● Students will have access to recorded lessons from their teachers as well as other expert PCPS

Teachers

● Guidelines for maximum time spent on the screen and during synchronous activity will be

established by grade level

● Instructional support and enrichment activities will be provided through regularly scheduled

virtual sessions

● Opportunities will exist for in-person instruction and academic intervention as needed (e.g., labs,

experiential learning through CTE courses, special education services

● Powhatan Virtual Classroom students will be able to participate in extra or co-curricular

activities

● Physical activity will be incorporated into the school day for PK- grade 8 students

● Powhatan Virtual Classroom students will have access to meals provided by the school system

through a weekly pickup system

● IEP teams will determine the least restrictive environment and appropriate service education and

related services for each student

Students who select the Powhatan Virtual Classroom will commit to remaining in this option for the

first semester at a minimum, December 18, 2020.

Pathway II - Face to Face Instruction Continuum

Pathway II will provide as much in-person learning as current health and safety conditions allow. This

pathway is truly a continuum because at one end we have Short-Term Virtual Learning that may be

required for some or all students due to health and safety concerns that may occur. In the middle, we

have a hybrid learning option that provides at least two days of face-to-face instruction. At the other end

of the continuum is a full 5-day return to in-person learning. Movement between these modes is likely

throughout the school year based on local health data and guidance from the Powhatan/Chesterfield

Health Department, as well as feedback we receive from students, parents, and staff. Our goal is to

reach a Full Return to Learning when it is safe for students and staff. The three modes within this

Continuum are:

A) Short-Term Virtual Learning – Students may have to move to a Short-Term Virtual

Learning experience because of health or safety concerns. Decisions on when to move to Short-

Term Virtual Learning would be made in consultation with our Health Services Team. Short-

Term Virtual Learning would function in the same manner as the Powhatan Virtual Classroom.

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Students will be allowed to move from Pathway II: Face-to-Face Instruction Continuum into

Pathway I: Powhatan Virtual Classroom at any time, but they will commit to remaining in Pathway I

for the remainder of the semester once a change is made.

B) Hybrid Learning – Most students in grades 4-12 would return to their assigned school two

days per week for face-to-face instruction. Each school’s grade levels will be divided into two

groups. Group A will attend school on Monday and Tuesday and Group B will attend school on

Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be an intervention and support day.

Students in grades PK-3 would return to school for up to 5 days of instruction. These students

could start this mode of instruction in a two day A/B model as described below for a short time

to start the school year. This would allow teachers to instruct students on new health and safety

protocols in smaller groups.

Schools may elect to provide face-to-face instruction for students with disabilities, including

private placements, with physical distancing. Students will only attend such programs if the

Individualized Education Program (IEP) team agrees it is appropriate and the parent consents.

Online instruction may remain appropriate for certain students who may be challenged with

adherence to the strict social distancing and safety guidelines as determined by the IEP team and

the parents' consent.

● All students, faculty, staff and approved visitors are required to wear a face covering

while inside any Powhatan County Public School building, bus, or vehicle. (Exception:

Students who are not physically, developmentally, or medically able to wear a face

covering)

● All students and staff will be required to perform a health safety screening every day

before coming to school

● Transportation will be provided to and from school by PCPS

● Every effort will be made to schedule students living at the same address on the same

days. Families will be notified of their group assignment as soon as schedules are

finalized

● Schools will be encouraged to aim for six feet of physical distance to the greatest extent

possible; however, if six feet of distance is not feasible (inclusive of buildings and school

buses), schools should implement a combination of face coverings and a minimum of

three feet distance between everyone present

● Students will attend school according to the division calendar. In the event of prolonged

(more than 3 day) personal illness or quarantine, a designated contact person at the school

will remain in communication with the student to provide instructional support, including

access to PCPS Virtual Classroom lessons and activities.

● The initial focus will be on social-emotional wellness, re-acclimating students to the

learning environment, reestablishing a sense of community, and assessing where learning

gaps may exist

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● Schoology, the PCPS Learning Management System, will be the primary access point for

instruction and materials

● All courses with sufficient enrollment will be offered (includes all electives and

elementary resource courses)

● Students will have access to recorded lessons from other expert PCPS teachers

● All instruction will be at the students' assigned school

● All students will participate in new instruction aligned with the requirements and

standards provided by the state.

● Attendance will be recorded when students are physically in school and during virtual

days (VDOE is providing additional guidance on attendance practices for various

instructional models)

● Grades will be assigned per PCPS policy and practices

● Students will have access to technology needed to effectively participate in Powhatan

Virtual Classroom (includes Chromebook and internet hotspot as needed)

● Meals will be consumed in the classroom

● When possible, movement between classrooms will be limited due to safety and health

concerns

● At the elementary and middle school levels, students will remain in their classrooms

more than they have in the past

● Face-to-face hands-on instruction will be available and designed for specific course

requirements, such as labs, CTE, etc.

● Coaching and hands-on instruction may be supported by instructional assistants and other

instructional support staff

● Instructional support and enrichment activities will be provided through regularly

scheduled virtual sessions.

● Physical activity will be incorporated into the school day for PK-8 students.

C) Full Return to Face-to-Face Instruction – Students would return to school five days a

week for face-to-face instruction.

● All students, faculty, staff and approved visitors are required to wear a face covering

while inside any Powhatan County Public School building, bus, or vehicle. (Exception:

Students who are not physically, developmentally, or medically able to wear a face

covering)

● All students and staff will be required to perform a health safety screening every day

before coming to school

● Transportation will be provided to and from school by PCPS

● Schools will be encouraged to aim for six feet of physical distance to the greatest extent

possible; however, if six feet of distance is not feasible (inclusive of buildings and school

buses), schools should implement a combination of face coverings and a minimum of

three feet distance between everyone present

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● Students will attend school according to the division calendar. In the event of prolonged

(more than 3 day) personal illness or quarantine, a designated contact person at the school

will remain in communication with the student to provide instructional support, including

access to PCPS Virtual Classroom lessons and activities.

● The initial focus will be on social-emotional wellness, re-acclimating students to the

learning environment, reestablishing a sense of community, and assessing where learning

gaps may exist

● Schoology, the PCPS Learning Management System, will be the primary access point for

instruction and materials

● All courses with sufficient enrollment will be offered (includes all electives and

elementary resource courses)

● Students will have access to recorded lessons from other expert PCPS teachers

● All instruction will be at the students' assigned school

● All students will participate in new instruction aligned with the requirements and

standards provided by the state.

● Attendance will be recorded when students are physically in school

● Grades will be assigned per PCPS policy and practices

● Meals will be consumed in the classroom

● When possible, movement between classrooms will be limited due to safety and health

concerns

● At the elementary and middle school levels, students will remain in their classrooms

more than they have in the past

● Face-to-face hands-on instruction will be available and designed for specific course

requirements, such as labs, CTE, etc.

● Coaching and hands-on instruction may be supported by instructional assistants and other

instructional support staff

● Instructional support and enrichment activities will be provided through regularly

scheduled virtual sessions.

● Physical activity will be incorporated into the school day for PK-8 students.

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Identification of Student Needs

In all instructional models, teachers and staff will assess student needs to begin recovery strategies in

conjunction with new learning. The following strategies will be utilized:

Screening

Elementary Screening: Staff will continue to use PALS, VKRP, Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark

Assessment System, and math screeners to identify student skill levels and develop plans where needed,

to include English language learners and gifted students.

“Ongoing” Screening: At all grade levels, teachers will be using running records, division assessments,

and other teacher-made assessments to capture information about student needs. These snapshots will

focus on prior knowledge and core skills to engage in new learning.

Recovery Strategies: Differentiated learning approaches and classroom supports will match student

needs to build in recovery learning. Students with more significant learning gaps, as identified in the

PCPS Tiered Support System, will participate in structured intervention. In addition, this can include

before and after school camps and individual or small group intervention during virtual learning days.

Identified students can also be offered additional face-to-face instruction when in Hybrid of Virtual

Classroom mode.

Progress Monitoring: Teachers will work in grade level teams to continuously review student progress.

This data will be shared with administrators once a month. Appropriate plans for recovery and

improvement will be developed, adjusted as needed, and carefully monitored for growth trends.

Quarterly, schools will present student data to the division team to identify needs and necessary

resources.

Summer 2021: The division will create summer programs to continue to serve students whose learning

gaps persist.

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Schedule Samples

Below are sample schedules for elementary and secondary students in PCPS Virtual Classroom, as well

as the Hybrid Model. These schedules are a draft at this point and intended to demonstrate generally

what a school day will look like. They were created with input from teachers and administrators, as well

as from feedback we received from parents and students last spring. In reviewing these schedules,

please keep the following considerations in mind:

● PCPS is obligated to meet state minimums for instructional hours and days. The State Board of

Education could waive this requirement during the school year.

● The Virginia Department of Education has notified school divisions that they must conduct a

minimum of 5.5 hours of instruction per day in any virtual setting.

● Blocks of time in the schedules do not correspond to screen time for students. Independent

activities, reading, and guided practice will also occur during these blocks.

● Maximum screen time guidelines will be established by grade level, as well as guidelines for

maximum amount of synchronous activity per class.

● Schedules for Full Virtual were established to provide structure and continuity of learning for

students.

● Social and Emotional Learning activities will be built into the schedule.

● Explicit instruction delivered by the teacher will be divided into small chunks of time and, when

possible, will be recorded so that students can review the video multiple times.

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Elementary

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Secondary

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Elementary & Secondary

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Technology

We know that technology is a key to making instruction meaningful during this pandemic. We are

fortunate to have Chromebooks to distribute to all students involved in virtual learning. Additionally,

we know that broadband availability in our county is a barrier to effective virtual learning. As a result,

we are taking the following steps to assist families who do not have access to high speed, affordable

internet:

● PCPS has equipped school buses with wireless internet access and located them in the western

region of the county for students to be able to access the internet for their school work. Two

additional buses will be added for the 2020-2021 school year.

● Cellular internet hotspots will be available again for checkout.

● Pocahontas Landmark Center will have a dedicated space and schedule for students to access the

internet.

● Schools will be open after hours for internet access (schedules to be determined).

Other technology tools that will enhance virtual learning during the 2020-2021 school year:

● Schoology, our current learning management system for grades 6-12, will be implemented PK-

12 during 2020-2021. The purpose of an LMS is to provide:

○ A communication tool for families and staff

○ An organizational structure with a consistent layout

○ A student-centered environment for learning of content and collaboration with others

through assignments, assessments, discussion boards, conferencing and other online tools

○ A parent portal to view students’ virtual assignments and submissions

○ A calendar of all student work and activities.

○ A shared resource for teacher collaboration and lesson planning.

○ All teachers will have webcams for video conferencing

● Seesaw will continue to be a tool to demonstrate student learning at the elementary level

● Google Meet will be utilized for video conferencing this year. Several products were reviewed

by our technology team and Google Meet was selected as the best solution.

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Notification of Intent to Vary

Phase Guidance for Virginia Schools is issued to assist with the reopening of schools and offering in-

person instruction to students. The Phase Guidance, which is aligned with guidance from the Centers for

Disease Control, is designed to help school divisions mitigate risks associated with COVID-19. The

Guidance provides recommendations for the types of in person instruction and programming that should

be offered in each Phase as well as the corresponding health, safety, and physical distance measures.

School divisions may choose to offer in-person instruction and programming that vary from the Phase

Guidance. If divisions elect to do so, they should submit details of the local variabilities to the Virginia

Department of Education (VDOE).

PCPS requested variances to allow selected 4th and 8th graders to attend summer school with the K-3

students. The mitigation strategies were able to be met and it allowed additional support for selected

students. In addition, it provided valuable information for the reopening of schools in the fall.

Professional Development

Meaning professional development is an essential component of a successful educational program.

During the summer of 2020, we provided (and continue to provide) professional development

experiences such as:

Virtual Summer PD: The summer professional development program included a kick-off

message by Dr. Eric Jones, along with a teacher panel discussion regarding virtual

learning. Teachers signed up to attend sessions based on need or interest. Sessions were

(and continue to be) provided by in-house and outside facilitators. Topics include Social-

Emotional Learning, distance learning, math manipulatives, diversity, hyperdocs,

engaging in reading and writing online, phonics instruction, and STEM.

In addition to virtual PD, the Instructional Team is also offering face-to-face training for

technology platforms including Schoology, PlayPosit, WeVideo, Seesaw, Google Meet,

and Newsela, along with content specific methods and delivery strategies.

Teachers are continuing their professional development growth in a variety of ways. Many teachers

have taken advantage of the following opportunities:

● We have identified CARES funding to provide up to 15 hours of professional learning for all

teachers in the area of virtual instruction in early August. This professional learning will include

information on strategies and tools with a focus on product and content development in

preparation for the opening of school.

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● 15 elementary, middle, and high school teachers are participating in the ISTE (International

Society for Technology in Education) Summer Learning Academy. This 3-week learning

experience is designed to prepare K-12 educators for teaching in online and blended learning

settings. These teachers (3 per school) will act as virtual learning and LMS coaches during the

year by sharing what they learned with their colleagues.

● Elementary teachers are learning about inquiry through the Virginia Inquiry Collaborative and

creating Critical Inquiries with embedded summative performance assessments for the 3rd Grade

World Civilizations course.

● Through the Longwood Innovative Inquiry Design Course taught by Dr. Evan Long, teachers are

engaging in the inquiry process and creating their own innovative performance-based

assessments using the Inquiry Design Model.

● Reading in the content areas allows teachers to master before, during, and after reading strategies

to use with students for the upcoming academic year.

● In a compacted social studies class, teachers will examine the 2020-2021 adjusted curriculum

and how to implement social studies skills.

● As participants of the #GoOpenVA grant, teachers are developing Open Educational Resources

(OER) to be shared within the division and the state. The three projects include:

○ Elementary resource teachers (art, music, PE, library) are developing lessons that support

targeted SOL English and math standards.

○ Middle school PE teachers are developing an online and in-person health curriculum.

○ US/VA teacher group is creating a new theme/question based curriculum with

incorporated project based learning activities.

In support of our K-5 Schoology initiative, teachers and staff are being trained on Schoology. Training is

being provided in person, virtually, and through self-paced modules to accommodate learning needs and

staff schedules.

New teachers are being provided access to all of our staff training sessions on August 5th and August

12th, along with a face-to-face training session with curriculum and technology on August 13th. The

new teachers also complete required self-paced modules on Clever, Schoology, and Seesaw (elementary

only) to prepare for the new school year.

The division has also supported staff and leadership with webinar opportunities, book discussions, and

virtual conferences to provide professional development for a variety of topics, such as Equity and

Diversity, Social Emotional Learning, and distance learning best practices.

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Special Populations

During this time of uncertainty families with special needs children receiving special education services

with PCPS continues to be our top priority. Students with 504 plans and IEPs (Individualized Education

Plans) will continue to be served according to their plans. IEP teams should consider how IEPs can be

implemented through all Pathways presented in this plan. In order to provide a more equitable learning

experience, supports will be provided and implemented in all phases. Classroom teachers will employ

appropriate recovery strategies embedded in core instruction and available as additional interventions.

On-going progress monitoring will help to inform instructional decisions.

Community Engagement and Communication

Powhatan County Public Schools will be using our website, Schoology, and School Messenger to

communicate with parents, students and area daycare centers for updates and information. Our Parent

Resource Center will provide information and added resources to our special population groups.

Regular and timely updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Parent Training

We will provide virtual and in-person support for parents on how to utilize Chromebooks and Schoology.

We recommend that parents and students selecting the Virtual Classroom option attend one of the

training sessions to prepare for the start of school. Virtual training is scheduled for the week of August 17

-21. Detailed dates and times will be coming from your child’s school.

In-person training will be coordinated with Open Houses and/or Chromebook Nights. Parent codes for

PowerSchool and Schoology will be provided to families and information will be sent out with back-to-

school packets.

Ongoing virtual and self-paced training opportunities for parents and/or those providing the educational

supports for students will be available throughout the school year. The technology and instructional team

will update self-paced training supports for families as needed.

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Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Research shows the importance of mental and emotional well-being for students and staff, which has

both psychological and academic outcomes. Access to school counselors and school-based health

clinics helps students. School counselors and school-based health clinics will play an extremely

important role in the adjustment period when buildings reopen. School psychologists and the division

social worker will offer additional support as appropriate.

Social and Emotional Learning Plan

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and

manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and

maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. (CASEL).

A team of PCPS staff has been working to develop our SEL delivery model. In addition, all teachers are

required to participate in professional development this summer addressing the tenets of SEL, how to

create an environment that supports SEL, and additional resources to promote SEL when students are

experiencing stress.

Our VTSS framework provides a structured approach to delivering SEL core instruction to all students.

This instruction develops appropriate skills in each of the areas listed above. For students who require

additional support, tiered interventions are available based on the unique needs of identified students.

Students are identified based on teacher or parent referral.

All levels:

● Core lessons addressing each area of SEL

● Support in learning new routines and procedures

● Instruction in stress management and coping strategies

● Targeted interventions for identified students

● Classroom guidance lessons to support students’ return to school

● School counselors support the implementation of all levels of the SEL curriculum

● School counselors will have established office hours, scheduled meetings with individual

students and classroom guidance lessons to support the transition back to learning environments

Elementary

● The social emotional learning curriculum, Sanford Harmony, will be embedded in core

instruction

● Instruction includes a daily meeting time that allows for students to practice the skills taught in

the lessons while navigating their relationships and building a sense of community

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Middle

● Staff will implement the social emotional learning curriculum, Second Step

● Second Step has updated lessons specifically for rebuilding community after school closure

● Explicit instruction in executive functioning skills for building student independence and

academic responsibility will be provided to students

High

● School counselor lessons will address stress management and coping strategies

● There will be a focus on developing independence and using academic tools for learning

● Emphasis will be placed on knowing when to ask for help for mental health or social emotional

issues

● A collection of school and community mental health resources will be made available

All schools have a Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) framework that outlines

school-wide expectations in order to create a positive school environment. School staff will work to

align new COVID-19 procedures and expectations to the existing PBIS framework with a focus and

emphasis on community building. This will include an instructional process to provide information

related to safe behaviors during a pandemic. These lessons will be integrated during the transition

back to school.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will you keep my child safe in your buildings?

Our conversations and preparation for the 2020-21 school year have been rooted in health and safety,

which is our top priority in getting ready to welcome students, educators, administrators and support

staff back in our buildings. While our return to school will look different given the new health and

safety measures in place, our commitment to ensuring all students have a safe, welcoming and fun

environment to learn and thrive remains the same. We will be sensitive to the health needs of our

students and families and will offer alternative options for those who are unable to return to our

buildings.

We are prioritizing health and safety measures such as using hand sanitizer, washing hands, wearing

face coverings, and physical distancing to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

What happens if there is an outbreak of COVID-19 at a particular school? How or

why will you decide whether to close a classroom or school?

We will contact the Powhatan/Chesterfield Department of Health and follow their guidance on closure,

testing and self-quarantine. PCPS will be prepared to move into a fully virtual learning plan based on a

state and/or local decision about closures as a result of an increase in COVID-19 spread.

How will you enforce mask-wearing among students?

All adults and students will be required to wear face coverings in accordance with county guidance.

Staff and students will be trained and given opportunities to safely take structured mask breaks

throughout the day.

The requirement does not apply in the following circumstances:

1. While eating or drinking

2. While exercising or using exercise equipment

3. If person has difficulty breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to

remove the face covering without assistance

4. Any person seeking to communicate with the hearing impaired and for which the mouth

needs to be visible

5. When temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to secure government or medical

services

6. Persons with health conditions that prohibit wearing a face covering

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Will childcare options be provided for staff with school-aged children?

Staff with school-aged children (PK - 5th grade) enrolled in PCPS schools will have an option of

childcare supervision for days that students are not physically in school. Staff with school-aged children

not enrolled in PCPS schools will have the option to enroll their children in PCPS schools to access this

benefit. Information about applying for admission can be found in Policy JEC and the accompanying

regulation JEC-R.

*An extensive FAQs about our fall recovery planning will be posted on the PCPS website

powhatan.k12.va.us

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Appendix A

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Appendix B