QUESTION: What enhanced safety measures has LCPS put in place to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19?

ANSWER:

• LCPS conducts daily health screenings of all students and staff.

• LCPS custodians thoroughly clean, sanitize, and disinfect all buildings and LCPS Transportation vehicles each day and after each transportation run, per the guidelines provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Thomas Jefferson Health District.

• LCPS staff conduct cleanings each day between all class changes and wiping down frequently touched objects (example: chairs, desks, door knobs, etc.)

• All schools have additional staff members to assist with cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

• LCPS has provided face coverings for students and staff to use

• Hand sanitizer is available in each classroom and school bus, and dispenser units have been placed outside of bathrooms, building entrances, and other high traffic areas.

• LCPS has added signage and floor markings that encourage and help facilitate social distancing/good hygiene habits.

• Bottle-filling retrofits have been installed on existing water fountains to avoid use of water spout.

• Clear, plexiglass barriers have been installed in high-traffic areas throughout school buildings as well as in classrooms.

• Breakfast and lunch are being served in the classroom.

• LCPS buses are being loaded and unloaded in a staggered fashion to encourage social distancing amongst students.

• Touchless wrist thermometers have been installed on all LCPS Transportation vehicles and at the entrances of all school buildings.

• LCPS Maintenance has installed MERV 13 air filters, air purifiers, and bipolar ionization technology to air systems throughout the school division.

QUESTION: When will LCPS conduct thorough cleanings and what do teachers need to do in preparation of these cleanings?

ANSWER: LCPS custodians will thoroughly clean, sanitize, and disinfect all buildings and LCPS Transportation vehicles each day, per the guidelines provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Thomas Jefferson Health District.

QUESTION: What steps is LCPS taking to uphold social distancing guidelines within the classroom?

ANSWER: In classrooms, students will be seated at least six-feet apart in accordance with social distancing recommendations put forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. This strategy works to ensure that students and staff remain outside of the distance where one is considered a “Close Contact” as much as possible. Additionally, clear, plexiglass barriers have been installed in high traffic areas and to assist with small group instruction. Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings at all times.

QUESTION: Will LCPS be providing face coverings for staff and students?

ANSWER: Yes. Each student and staff member will be provided two cloth masks by the school division.

Staff members will also be given one face shield. Face shields will also be available for students, if needed. Disposable surgical masks will be available at schools and on buses in the event that students/staff do not have the provided cloth masks or shield. KN95 masks will be provided for school health personnel, custodians, and also to staff providing personal care assistance.

QUESTION: Will the wearing of face coverings by students be required?

ANSWER: Students are expected to wear face coverings in school buildings and while using LCPS Transportation. At school buildings, teachers and staff are being provided regularly scheduled breaks throughout the day to allow students to safely take off their masks for short periods of time.

Students who fail to consistently wear their face covering could be reassigned to LCPS Virtual Academy full-time.

QUESTION: Are staff members required to wear face coverings?

ANSWER: Yes. LCPS staff members are required to wear face coverings at all times in the classroom/school building unless eating/drinking or in their classroom alone.

QUESTION: Are students able to converse during breakfast or lunchtime when they are not wearing their masks?

ANSWER: Yes. Students are able to converse during breakfast or lunchtime. Additionally, students are seated at least six-feet apart during breakfast/lunchtimes.

QUESTION: What are the consequences if a student refuses to wear a face covering on the bus?

ANSWER: Per LCPS guidelines and in consultation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and our insurance carrier, face coverings are expected to be worn at all times when using all modes of school transportation. Students who refuse to wear their face covering on LCPS-provided transportation will not be able to utilize LCPS-provided transportation.

QUESTION: What are the consequences if a student refuses to wear a face covering on a school campus?

ANSWER: Failure to comply COULD result in the student not being able to participate in the face-to-face, Blended Learning model and the student could be reassigned to LCPS Virtual Academy full-time.

QUESTION: Are students allowed to bring their own face coverings? If so, is there guidance on what type of face coverings are acceptable?

ANSWER: Yes, students are able to bring their own face coverings. However, face coverings must be school-appropriate and not disrupt the school environment. Bandanas are not permitted.

QUESTION: Have LCPS staff members received additional training on cleaning, sanitation, proper wearing of face coverings, hand-washing, and other COVID-19 mitigation strategies?

ANSWER: Yes. Training videos have been provided to all LCPS staff to demonstrate proper hand-washing techniques and sanitation processes. Additionally, school nurses are providing training to advise staff on health screenings and what symptoms prompt separation/isolation of symptomatic student(s) or staff member(s) and further screening from the school nurse. Training has been in-person and through videos/modules.

QUESTION: Will substitutes receive training for self-assessments and proper cleaning procedures?

ANSWER: Yes. Current and new substitutes will receive training on all mitigation strategies put in place by LCPS for the 2020-2021 school year.

QUESTION: How will we respond to a student exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms?

ANSWER: School staff will relocate the student with all his/her belongings to a previously designated quarantine/isolation room within the school building. The student will then be given a health screening by the school nurse. If a student registers a fever at or above 100.4 degrees and/or demonstrates symptoms of COVID-19 at any point in the day, parents will be expected to pick the student up within 60 minutes of being contacted. In consultation with the school nurse and building administrators, custodians will clean and sanitize the student’s workspace and other necessary spaces with hospital-grade cleaning solution per guidelines from the CDC for schools.

QUESTION: Are other schools affected if a COVID-19 case appears in one of the schools?

ANSWER: Confirmed COVID-19 cases are handled at the school level and LCPS follows the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Thomas Jefferson Health District.

QUESTION: When will a student exhibiting multiple COVID-19 symptoms be allowed to return to school?

ANSWER: The return of a student exhibiting multiple COVID-19 symptoms will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Louisa County Public Schools will work with the Thomas Jefferson Health District and/or student’s physician in conjunction with the CDC guidelines to safely return staff to the workplace and students to the school, including following the guidance that the student not return to school for at least three days (72 hours) since recovery of symptoms and until at least ten days have passed since the symptoms first appeared. School nurses may request a note from a student’s physician to facilitate transition back to school and monitor the student’s well-being upon his or her return.

QUESTION: If someone who lives in my household tests positive for COVID-19, what should I do?

ANSWER: If you are able to have complete separation from the person in your house with COVID-19 (this means no contact, no time together in the same room, no sharing of any spaces, such as same bathroom or bedroom), then you should self-isolate for 14 days. If you cannot have complete separation from the person in your house with COVID-19, the 14-day quarantine must begin after the positive individual's isolation period (10 days), which requires family members to isolate for at least 24 days. For more details, please click here.

QUESTION: What is our plan for when LCPS is informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 for a student or staff member?

ANSWER: In addition to the daily, rigorous cleanings that are conducted as part of our school division’s standard procedures for the 2020-2021 school year, LCPS would immediately isolate the area of the building the student or staff member had access to and appropriately disinfect those areas with hospital-grade cleaning solutions. LCPS would work with the Virginia Department of Health to conduct contact tracing and notify all impacted families at the affected school and appropriate staff members of the results. LCPS would follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Thomas Jefferson Health District.

QUESTION: What mediums will be utilized to communicate policies and procedures to families?

ANSWER: The Louisa County Public Schools Communications Department will use multiple channels of communication to ensure staff, parents, and students are aware of all policies and procedures pertaining to the school division’s response to COVID-19.

• Videos from the school superintendent are provided to address new division-wide policies and questions from staff and community members. These videos and video transcripts are distributed via email to staff and via School Messenger (emails, phone numbers) for families. Videos for the community are posted on school and division websites and posted on social media (Facebook, Twitter). Translated transcripts and phone calls are also made available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and any other language requested by the parent. All video/written communications are archived on the LCPS website.

• Staff members and community members are invited to submit questions via a Google form that is monitored by the communications department.

• Virtual staff meetings are held by the school superintendent to provide updates to staff on new policies.

• Letters will be sent to all LCPS employees and students/families in mid-July on the school division’s plans and procedures for the upcoming school year.

• The LCPS Communications Department has created the “2020-2021 School Year Information and Resource Center” website for staff members and families to find information concerning the upcoming school year. The website features items such as a Frequently Asked Questions page, News & Highlights, and Resources for Parents.

• The LCPS Code of Conduct handbook for the 2020-2021 school year will be made available to families prior to the start of the school year and will include mitigation strategies and student and family expectations. The LCPS Code of Conduct is available online via the LCPS website and is available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.

• Students/parents/staff/community members with questions should contact

LCPS Public Information Officer Andrew Woolfolk at woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us

or 540-872-1080.

QUESTION: How will LCPS communicate information if/when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 within our school division?

ANSWER: The following communication path has been established by Louisa County Public Schools and is supported by contact tracing information provided by the Virginia Department of Health.

1. If a child or staff member is found positive for COVID-19, the school nurse or principal will be notified.

2. The school nurse will notify the school principal (if not initially notified).

3. The school principal will notify school division administration to initiate cleaning and sanitizing per recommendation from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) through the maintenance department, to initiate coordination of physical and mental health supports through the pupil personnel services department, and to address media inquiries through the communications department (if necessary).

4. The pupil personnel services department will coordinate with the school principal and Thomas Jefferson Health District for contact tracing.

5. The communications department will coordinate with the school superintendent on communication with staff, students, and families.

   1. Channels of communication to be used to notify staff division-wide include emails and, if necessary, calls via SchoolMessenger

   2. Channels of communication to be used to notify impacted parents and families of the affected school include emails and calls via SchoolMessenger, announcements on the school’s website, and letters/print resources.

QUESTION: What steps is LCPS taking to ensure good hygiene habits are being promoted among students?

ANSWER: Videos for students and families will be posted and promoted by principals on school websites and in social media before school reopens to address how to wear and care for masks, wash and sanitize hands, and maintain social distancing. Videos will be shown again on the students’ first day of school at the beginning of the day in the classroom and throughout the day on school media.

QUESTION: How will buses be sanitized?

ANSWER: All LCPS buses and transportation vehicles will be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant after each run.

QUESTION: How will daily health screenings occur?

ANSWER: For students, Louisa County Public Schools will collaborate with parents to conduct daily health screenings of students prior to coming to school. Per guidance from the Virginia Association of School Nursing (VASN), verbal, visual, and physical screening will be conducted at home and at school. A symptom checklist will be provided to parents for screening at home. Before entering the school building, each student's temperature will be assessed using a non-touch thermometer by a school staff member at the vehicle if the child is dropped off or drives him/herself. For all students who ride the bus, dismissal from buses will be staggered, and each student’s temperature will be monitored at the door using a non-touch thermometer in the doorway. Students/parents will communicate through signed parent/student handbook an understanding of expectations for following mitigation strategies and participation in daily health screenings. Temperatures will be taken upon entry to the school building.

Additionally, each staff member will self-assess daily for symptoms of COVID-19 before reporting to work and each staff member's temperature will be monitored daily upon entry to the school building.

QUESTION: How are key terms such as “Close Contact,” “Isolation,” and “Quarantine” defined?

ANSWER:Per guidance from the Virginia Department of Health:

• “Close Contact” is someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

• “Isolation” means the separation of people with COVID-19 from others. People in isolation need to stay home and separate themselves from others in the home as much as possible.

• “Quarantine” means the separation of people who were in close contact with a person with COVID-19 from others.

For more definitions, please visit the Virginia Department of Health webpage.

QUESTION: What are the rules for shared materials within a classroom/class, such as pencils, pencil sharpeners, folders, etc?

ANSWER: LCPS will limit the sharing of materials, per current health guidelines. Students will be expected to use their own personal supplies.

QUESTION: Will there still be class changes at LCMS and LCHS?

ANSWER: Yes. Face coverings will be required during class changes. Further guidelines will be provided by LCMS and LCHS administration.

QUESTION: Will LCPS be providing additional hand sanitizer/hand-washing stations?

ANSWER: Yes. Hand sanitizer is available in each classroom and school bus, and dispenser units are placed outside of bathrooms and high traffic areas. LCPS has also placed motion activated hand sanitizer dispensers at all entrances of LCPS buildings.

QUESTION: Can students carry hand sanitizer?

ANSWER: Yes.

QUESTION: Will water fountains be open?

ANSWER: Bottle-filling retrofits have been installed on existing water fountains to avoid use of water spout. All classroom water fountains and any hallway water fountains not able to be modified with a bottle-filling station will be shut off. Touchless water bottle fillers at LCHS will remain open.

QUESTION: With library books being passed from home-to-home/student-to-student, what are the plans for cleaning?

ANSWER: LCPS will follow guidelines provided by the CDC and the American Library Association. As it stands now, they are recommending different lengths of isolation time depending on the book cover material (plastic, cardboard, etc) and if we have disinfectant to clean books as they get returned. The isolation time for books will be 72 hours.

QUESTION: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

ANSWER: As of December 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control lists the following as possible symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. For more information, please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website by clicking here.

QUESTION: What are the two learning models LCPS is providing for students for the 2020-2021 school year?

ANSWER: LCPS is providing the Blended Learning model and the Virtual Learning model:

THE BLENDED LEARNING MODEL:

• An A/B model, with Wednesday serving as a Student Support Day.

• In the School A-Schedule, students attend school on Monday and Thursday.

  • On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, their classes are virtual and students will continue to work and submit work for these days.

• In the School B-Schedule, students attend school on Tuesday and Friday.

  • On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, their classes are virtual and students will continue to work and submit work for these days.

• Wednesdays will be Student Support Days. On these days, our teachers and staff will work to support our most valuable resources, our students. They’ll be planning lessons, reaching out to students, and have office hours. Our LCPS Custodians will be thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing our buildings and buses.

• In the Blended model, some SPED programs may attend 3 or 4 days a week

• We will be cohorting families, which we hope will be a huge help for our community. This means students living in the same household will attend face to face on the same days and be on virtual learning on the same days.

• As part of this model, LCPS will be providing every student with a learning device (iPads for Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade, and Chromebooks for 2nd through 12th grade).

• Students will be able to download their content in class through our school building internet, so internet will NOT be a requirement for our Blended Learning model students to complete their virtual assignments at home.

LCPS VIRTUAL ACADEMY

• Students learn 100% virtually, Monday through Friday through LCPS staff or an online learning providers.

• As part of this model, LCPS will be providing every student with a learning device (iPads for Kindergarten and 1st grade, and Chromebooks for 2nd through 12th grade).

• In this model, families DO need adequate, reliable access to the internet.

• Families sign up for LCPS Virtual a semester-at-a-time.

• LCPS provides internet through our Wireless on Wheel (WOW) units at 22 locations, and LCPS also provides internet access to the parking lots at all six school campuses. Click here to access a map of WOW/free internet access sites.

QUESTION: What will be the expectations/accountability for students to be able to access the internet while participating in the LCPS Virtual Academy model?

ANSWER: There will be expectations for students to access the Internet. If they do not have access at their homes, it will be expected that they travel to a site to download and upload content. Possible locations include school parking lots, 22 WOW! Unit locations throughout the county, and various free public wi-fi locations. You can view a list of these locations by clicking here. A time will be established between teachers and families who are unable to meet during regularly scheduled office hours or during synchronous (scheduled) learning opportunities. In the event a student is not able to participate in a scheduled time, alternative instructional resources will be provided.

QUESTION: What will be the expectations/accountability for students to be able to access the internet in order to do work in the Blended Learning model?

ANSWER: Students will not need Internet access outside of the school complete assignments through the Blended Learning model. Students utilizing the Blended Learning model will be able to download assignments at school and complete the work offline. Teachers may provide supplemental online instructional resources for those with the ability to access the Internet.

QUESTION: Am I able to switch learning models after the school year begins?

ANSWER: Students beginning the Spring 2021 semester in the Blended Learning model will be able to switch to LCPS Virtual Academy at any time, with a potential delay (up to five school days) in implementation and/or change of classes, but will then need to remain until the end of the semester. Students will need to be mindful that not all classes offered in the Blended Learning model are available in the LCPS Virtual Academy. Please make your request by filling out the following form (https://forms.gle/cdjvMgJuhNyoSgsj7) or by contacting the office at your child’s school.

Situations where a student wishes to switch from LCPS Virtual Academy to the Blended Learning Model will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and this accommodation may not be possible due to available space and schedule. Please contact your child’s school for more details.

QUESTION: If the Governor’s guidelines allow for schools to fully reopen schools mid-semester, will LCPS Virtual Academy students be able to come back to school immediately?

ANSWER: No. Students participating in LCPS Virtual Academy will be expected to complete the semester in which they are in.

QUESTION: How will students in the LCPS Virtual Academy take SOL assessments this year?

ANSWER: Based on guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, students in the LCPS Virtual Academy will not be able to complete SOL tests remotely. Details regarding SOL testing and Virtual Academy students will be provided by each school as the schools begin preparing for testing.

QUESTION: How will attendance be taken for online classes?

ANSWER:

• Full Virtual Learning (Phase II) - Weekly attendance will be recorded by the teacher based on the amount of time engaged in instruction, either live or through activities, evidence of activity, and pacing toward completion.

• Blended Learning (Phase III) - Face-to-Face days will have attendance taken on that day and/or for each block attended. Attendance will be recorded in Powerschool with daily attendance being taken at the elementary and middle school level, and meeting attendance being taken at the high school level. For students receiving virtual instruction, attendance will be based upon completion of tasks and recorded by the teacher every two weeks in Powerschool based on student participation in synchronous instruction and/or student-teacher engagement/correspondence during the previous two weeks.

• LCPS Virtual Academy (full virtual learning option) - For students receiving virtual instruction, attendance will be based upon completion of tasks and recorded by the teacher every two weeks in Powerschool based on student participation in synchronous instruction and/or student-teacher engagement/correspondence during the previous two weeks.

QUESTION: How will students in the Blended Learning model download assignments that they are to work on at home?

ANSWER: Teachers will build in time for students to download assignments, regardless of their access to the Internet. However, it is critical for students who do not have access to consistent or strong Internet at home to download their assignments while at school. If there are students who are still struggling to download work or operate offline, teachers can provide alternative materials for the student to take home.

QUESTION: Are the students taking LCPS Virtual Academy classes going to be given books?

ANSWER: Teachers will be providing whatever resources are necessary for students.

QUESTION: What classes at LCMS and LCHS will be offered virtually?

ANSWER: In a scenario where the entire school division is operating in a virtual learning model either in Phase I or Phase II, all courses will be available. For the LCPS Virtual Academy model selected by students, not all of the classes offered at LCMS and LCHS will be available.

For a list of available virtual classes at LCMS, click here.

For a list of available virtual classes at LCHS, click here.

QUESTION: If my child attends school virtually, will they be able to participate in field trips and graduation events?

ANSWER: Access to field trips will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Students who have completed the graduation/promotion requirements will be eligible to participate in graduation/promotion ceremonies.

QUESTION: Will parents and visitors have access to the school buildings?

ANSWER: In Phase II, parents and visitors are not allowed access to the school building. In Phase III, parents and visitors are allowed but will have limited access to the building (Examples include: IEP meetings, pre-scheduled meetings, etc.). Please note parents and visitors will be subject to a health screening and are required to wear face coverings.

QUESTION: What does instruction look like for each of the Governor’s phases?

ANSWER: LCPS has created a graphic that details our school division’s instructional plan for each of the Governor’s phases. Please click here to view this informational graphic.

QUESTION: When will student schedules be released?

ANSWER: Student schedules will be emailed out prior to the winter break.

QUESTION: Will student work be graded?

ANSWER: Yes. All assigned work will be graded during the 2020-2021 school year. It is critical that students do all of the assigned work as it is being graded and important to learning.

QUESTION: Will teachers still be able to have students work in small groups?

ANSWER: Small groups are still allowed. However, six-feet of physical distance should be maintained.

QUESTION: Will students take state assessments students at the end of the 2020-2021 school year?

ANSWER: At this point, the Virginia Department of Education has indicated that SOL assessments will take place during the 2020-2021 school year.

QUESTION: How will students in the LCPS Virtual Academy take SOL assessments this year?

ANSWER: Based on guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, students in the LCPS Virtual Academy will not be able to complete SOL tests remotely. Details regarding SOL testing and Virtual Academy students will be provided by each school as the schools begin preparing for testing.

QUESTIONS: How would inclement weather impact instruction for Blended Learning and/or Virtual students?

ANSWER: LCPS has proactively prepared for the impacts that inclement weather could have on our instruction schedule. Please click here to take a look at the details of our 2020-2021 Inclement Weather Schedule.

For LCPS staff, please click here to access our emergency codes and click here to access our new instructional codes.

QUESTION: Will elementary schools have resource classes?

ANSWER: Yes. All elementary students will participate in resource classes.

QUESTION: Will younger students have recess?

ANSWER: Yes, elementary students will be able to play and have a modified recess that includes social distancing measures. Per the Virginia Department of Education, the size gathering outdoors and the mixing of classrooms on the playground/play area should, and will be, limited. Students will practice hand-hygiene before and after going on the playground/play area. Additionally, high-touch surfaces, such as railing and handles, will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

QUESTION: Will we have after-school activities or field trips in the spring?

ANSWER: Field trips will not be conducted during the Spring 2021 semester. There will be limited after-school activities, provided all current state and CDC health guidelines/social distancing requirements are followed. Mitigation measures for these after-school activities will be in place.

QUESTION: Where can I find school supply lists?

ANSWER: Please click here to access the elementary school supply lists. Supply lists for LCMS and LCHS will be provided at a later date.

QUESTION: Is there any indication how quickly Virginia will move through Phase III?

ANSWER: Per the Virginia Department of Education, the school reopening phases are aligned with the existing Forward Virginia phases, through which the state will progress by monitoring public health data and key measures on disease transmission, healthcare capacity, testing capacity, public health capacity to trace contacts of cases, and other relevant factors.

However, given the nature of the pandemic, community mitigation strategies (e.g., physical distancing, enhanced cleaning, etc.) will be necessary across all phases to decrease the spread of COVID-19. ]

Therefore, while the timing of progression through the phases is unknown, VDOE recommends that schools plan to reopen in Phase III and be prepared to remain in Phase III for some time. LCPS would revert back to the Phase II Remote Learning plan should Virginia fall back to Phase II. Additional guidance will be forthcoming from VDOE when recommendations for moving Beyond Phase III are in place.

QUESTION: Can you please explain why the A-B-A-B schedule is the most effective model for LCPS?

With the A-B-A-B schedule, LCPS Blended Learning model students never go more than three days without receiving face-to-face instruction at school.

We believe this is crucially important for two main reasons:

• If students are struggling academically, they are able to get to a teacher more quickly.

• If students are struggling with mental health in any form, our students will have greater access to face-to-face meetings with qualified staff.

This is in contrast to the five-day gap that is a part of the A-A-B-B schedule. Therefore, we believe the A-B-A-B is the preferable schedule when it comes to providing consistent instructional and emotional support for our students in Louisa County.

Further, we will be performing deep cleanings at all of our school buildings at the end of each school day. Additional personnel has been added to our LCPS staff to assist with this process as we look to minimize any chance of cross-contamination.

QUESTION: What is our plan for addressing trauma resulting from COVID-19 and mental health?

ANSWER: Pupil personnel services (school psychologists, counselors, and social workers) will be meeting monthly to determine mental health supports and services for students. Resources have been provided on the school division web page since school closure. School counselors continue to be in contact with students determined to be at-risk for trauma. Classroom teachers will continue to provide supports through Responsive Classroom/Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

QUESTION: Is LCPS planning on providing instruction on cyberbullying?

ANSWER: Yes. LCPS students and families will be expected to agree to online standards provided by LCPS. These updated standards are included in the 2020-2021 LCPS Virtual Academy Handbook and the 2020-2021 LCPS Code of Conduct. Cyberbullying awareness will be taught through the Olweus lessons. Digital citizenship is being reviewed, modeled, and taught by all teachers: They are further embedded in the classroom expectations and norms.

QUESTION: Will LCPS Virtual Academy students receive Talented and Gifted (TAG) services?

ANSWER: Yes, students who are identified as Talented and Gifted will receive services virtually by their TAG teacher. Also TAG teachers will collaborate with virtual core teachers to provide enrichment and extension of the curriculum and lessons.

QUESTION: Will virtual students receive intervention (Title I or PALS) services?

ANSWER: Yes, students in need of remediation and intervention will receive services virtually. Intervention Specialists, instructional assistants, and/or virtual teachers will provide differentiated instruction and interventions to meet the needs of all students.

QUESTION: Will PALS and VKRP testing be completed for LCPS Virtual Academy students?

ANSWER: Yes, PALS and VKRP testing will be completed. Families will have the option to set up an appointment and complete the testing at school or division personnel will travel to the student’s home if families do not have transportation.

QUESTION: What if a student arrives at the bus stop or school without a face covering?

ANSWER: Transportation drivers and schools will be provided with a limited number of single-use masks that will be available for students in this situation. Students must wear a face covering to ride LCPS transportation.

QUESTION: Will student temperatures be taken on the bus?

ANSWER: In an effort to be as comprehensive as possible, LCPS has installed touchless wrist thermometers on all LCPS school buses. These thermometers are located at the steps of the bus and deliver a temperature reading in seconds. When utilizing vans or cars, LCPS Transportation drivers will check temperatures of all passengers by using handheld thermometers before all trips.

QUESTION: Will bus and school drop-off and pick-up times be altered?

ANSWER: Yes. Additionally, students will be dismissed off the bus in staggered groups to allow for social distancing and health screenings to occur.

QUESTION: How will the loading/unloading process work on school buses?

ANSWER: In the morning, students will load beginning in the rear of the bus and will work toward the front of the bus. Seats will be assigned. Students will sit on the same seat in the afternoon. There will be one student per seat, and household members will sit together. Students will exit the bus from the front of the bus to the rear of the bus. At the end of the school day, students will exit the school building and head to their bus. Once reaching the bus, students will be asked to get back onto the bus and sit in the same seat they did that morning. For a video summary of this year’s transportation model, please click here.

QUESTION: What are the procedures for submitting a bus pass this year?

ANSWER: To preface, please understand that bus capacity has been greatly reduced due to social distancing guidelines, leaving limited opportunities for bus passes. LCPS Transportation will do it’s best to honor every request, but this task will be difficult during the 2020-2021 school year. To help accommodate your request, LCPS Transportation would greatly appreciate requests being submitted several days prior.

To get off a school bus at any place other than the regular stop or to ride a different bus home, a student must bring a signed note from home requesting the school to issue a bus pass. The note must state the date, the bus number, and where the student is to get off the bus. Notes should be taken to the Main Office for approval before the start of the school day. Any request for a change in bus must be made no later than 12 p.m. to the Main Office. Whether or not a student can ride on another bus is based on space availability.

QUESTION: Will an activity bus be available for after-school activities?

ANSWER: Yes, provided we are offering after-school activities.

QUESTION: Is LCPS providing students with technology for the 2020-2021 school year?

ANSWER: Yes, LCPS will be providing all students with technological learning devices for the 2020-2021 school year, regardless of what phase Virginia is in.

• iPads for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade

• Chromebooks for 2nd through 12th-grade

QUESTION: How will students obtain their LCPS-issued devices?

ANSWER: Schools will communicate a distribution plan for your child’s school prior to the start of the school year.

QUESTION: What type of technology and programs will be used for LCPS Virtual Academy?

ANSWER: Students will be able to utilize their LCPS-issued devices (iPads for Kindergarten/1st grade, Chromebooks for 2nd/12th grade). Teachers will utilize various educational programs to work with students, such as Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Virtual Virginia, Zoom, and other resources designed to support student learning and success. Lessons may include, but are not limited to, videos (instructional and informational), web-based activities, collaborative activities, virtual face-to-face sessions, or downloadable activities.

QUESTION: If a student loses or breaks their LCPS-issued learning device or it is not functioning properly, what is the process to repair or replace the device?

ANSWER: Students at school will have their teacher enter a helpdesk ticket. LCPS Virtual Academy students will contact the LCPS Technology Help Desk at 540-894-4373 (prompt 4). The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Arrangements will be made to provide the student with a loaner device. Students will keep the loaner device until their original device is returned or replaced.

QUESTION: In reference to Blended Learning model students, what happens if a student leaves his/her device at home during an in-school learning day?

ANSWER:There is a limited number of spare devices in each school building.

QUESTION: Where can I find free internet to complete assignments?

ANSWER: LCPS provides internet through our Wireless on Wheel units at 22 locations, and LCPS also provides internet access to the parking lots at all six school campuses. Click here to access a map of WOW/free internet access sites.

QUESTION: Will student devices (iPads / Chromebooks) work without internet service?

ANSWER: Although internet access is optimal, both iPads and Chromebooks can be used without Internet access. However, students need to download assignments while connected to the Internet to be able to work offline.

QUESTION: What is the phone number if tech support is needed during virtual learning?

ANSWER: The LCPS Help Desk number is 540-894-4373 (prompt 4). The hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The LCPS Help Desk will provide phone support to solve the problem. If the problem cannot be resolved over the phone, a location and meeting time will be provided for in-person support and to potentially swap the device while the student device is being repaired. LCPS will not provide support services in the student’s house.

QUESTION: Can my child use a home computer/iPad to do their virtual schoolwork?

ANSWER: For 2nd through 12th-grade students, yes. Students may use a personal device. However, they may not have access to LCPS programs. For Pre-K through 1st-grade students, they will not be able to complete their virtual school work on their personal iPads.

Additionally, Chromebook users may need to use Google Chrome on their personal devices in order to have access to some school-provided programs.

QUESTION: Does my child have to bring their school device home?

ANSWER: No, though it is highly preferred. All students are required to complete assigned work on virtual learning days.

QUESTION: Will the parent be responsible for paying for lost/damaged school devices?

ANSWER: Yes, you are responsible for taking appropriate care of school devices. We do offer an Accidental Damage Protection Plan for $20. This will cover 100% for device replacement for the first incident, and 50% on a second incident.

QUESTION: Is the Accidental Protection Plan required?

ANSWER: No. You are not required to purchase the Accidental Protection Plan. However, we do highly encourage parents to participate in the plan.

QUESTION: Will students eat in the cafeterias for breakfast or lunch? If so, how will social distancing measures be enforced?

ANSWER: Breakfast and lunch in all six schools will be provided in the classroom.

QUESTION: What hygiene protocols will the school division require to ensure safe food preparation and food handling practices?

ANSWER: All meals will be served in closed containers (no open trays). Cafeteria staff will wear masks or shields while preparing and serving food. All employees will maintain safe hygiene and sanitation practices at all times through additional safety training regarding proper use of masks and safety and sanitation. Kitchens will hang signage to include information on proper use of masks/shields and gloves as well as proper handwashing. The school nutrition department will update the food safety manual (HACCP) to reflect new procedures. Cafeteria staff will follow health screening guidelines for vendors and delivery drivers entering buildings.

Question: What is the cost for school meals this year?

Answer: LCPS School Nutrition has some exciting news! Based on USDA's extended waivers, meals will be offered to all children free of charge!

QUESTION: If a student attends one of the three CEP schools (Jouett Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, and Trevilians Elementary School), do I still need to fill out a free/reduced meal application?

ANSWER: While it is not necessary to fill out a meal application for any child attending these three schools (Jouett Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, and Trevilians Elementary School, it is still very important to have an updated application on file. If you feel your children may qualify for free or reduced meals, please be sure to complete a new application for this school year. Your child may qualify for other benefits throughout the year, but will not be eligible without a current application on file.

QUESTION: Can parents still send checks and cash to school for student meals, or will all payment need to be done online?

ANSWER: LCPS strongly recommends use of the online payment system "My School Bucks," which you can access here. Checks and cash need to be provided in sealed envelopes with the student’s name on the outside.

QUESTION: If students will be eating their meals in the classroom, how will they be able to choose what they want?

ANSWER: Students will order their breakfast and lunch ahead of time, from their classroom. Menus will be posted on our website and available in each classroom.

QUESTION: Will students be able to receive school meals on the days they are attending virtually?

ANSWER: Yes. Students will have the opportunity to grab heat and serve meals to take home at the end of the school day. These meals will have to be put in the refrigerator/freezer as soon as they arrive home from school.These meals will be offered at no cost to all students and will include meals for Saturday and Sunday

QUESTION: If a student chooses the LCPS Virtual Academy option, will he/she be able to receive school meals?

ANSWER: Yes. Breakfast and lunch will be available to your student, as well as for children ages 2-18, even if they are not enrolled at LCPS. For more details, please email LCPS Director of School Nutrition Randy Herman by clicking here.

QUESTION: Am I allowed to pack my lunch and bring it into school?

ANSWER: Yes, you may pack your lunch, but students may not share any part of their lunch with peers.

QUESTION: Am I allowed to bring outside food for distribution to other students (i.e. cupcakes)?

ANSWER: No, due to the risk of exposure to germs through sharing of food as well as the need to keep minimal traffic in the clinic, outside food for distribution to other students will NOT BE ALLOWED until further notice. One service provided for parents as an alternative for celebrating birthdays is to order cupcakes directly from the Louisa County Public Schools Nutrition Department. Please see link on the LCPS Nutrition Department webpage for an order form and more information. Order forms are also available in the main office of each school.

QUESTION: What will the policies be regarding LC Athletics (practices, games, off-season conditioning, etc.)

ANSWER: On 11/30/2020 the VHSL announced a Return to Play Guideline that highlights expectations/recommendations for sports & activities to take place during the 2020-2021 school year. Winter sports will be followed by fall sports and then spring sports - all having condensed seasons. All of this information can be reached by clicking the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cp1f3t2upN4yd4ahtfTyM29yYkiovcHj/view. LC Athletics has detailed information in our handbook as well as on our website/social media pages.

Additionally, please click here for a comprehensive video update from LCHS Athletic Director George Stanley.

QUESTION: Will student-athletes be required to wear face coverings? Will face coverings be provided?

ANSWER: Student-athletes (during out of season conditioning/practice) will be required to wear face coverings when 10-feet social-distancing cannot be maintained and when student-athletes train in the weight room or visit the training room. Each student-athlete will receive at least 1 face covering from athletics during their actual season. The face covering provided by athletics should be cleaned and properly maintained by each student-athlete on a regular basis. Athletes (in season) will be required to wear face coverings whenever idle and not actively participating in competition. Coaches are required to wear face coverings at all times.

QUESTION: Will all coaches receive training? What will that training look like? Signature page?

ANSWER: Yes, all coaches will receive training. There will be clear expectations laid out that have to be signed by each coach, each player and each parent.

QUESTION: Will all student-athletes receive training on expectations?

ANSWER: Yes. Head coaches will be responsible for going over these expectations with each player and it is the responsibility of all coaches to ensure that all student-athletes adhere to them.

QUESTION: What additional cleaning and sanitization steps will be taken to protect our student athletes? Equipment, facilities, locker rooms, etc.

ANSWER: The LCPS Maintenance staff will provide guidance to LCPS coaches and athletic staff on how to properly clean and disinfect equipment, spaces, etc.

QUESTION: Will all students, parents, and coaches need to sign waivers?

ANSWER: Yes, they will all need to sign waivers.

QUESTION: Will parents/fans be allowed to attend practices/events?

ANSWER: On 11/13/2020, Governor Ralph Northam announced that “all public and private in-person gatherings must be limited to 25 individuals, down from the limit of 250 people. This includes outdoor and indoor settings.” LC Athletics will not have parents attend our practices or events, but we have a plan in place to provide parents the opportunity to see a live stream of an event. There is a cost associated with this opportunity that will be detailed on our website, social media pages and other documents.

QUESTION: Will there be a Winter Sports parents night? What will communication with parents look like?

ANSWER: The Winter Sports parent Expectation Night will be broken down into individual meetings, conducted virtually, to include: coaches, players/parents and AD. Each meeting will take place before the opening play date for each winter sport. Parents will be notified in advance about the specifics of these meetings.

QUESTION: What will the academic eligibility requirements be for LCPS student-athletes/activities participants?

ANSWER: Students participating in LCPS Athletics/Activities will follow the same requirements - being enrolled in at least 3 academic courses during the season/activity and having to pass 3 out of 4 classes from the previous semester to remain eligible. Early release is not permissible during the season/activity period. 9th grade students entering LCHS in the fall semester are automatically eligible to participate/tryout for a team. Virtual students are eligible to participate in athletics/activities given they meet all academic requirements and are students in good standing at LCPS.

QUESTION: Will there be a way to stream videos of any of our athletic events virtually?

ANSWER: LC Athletics will not have parents attend our practices or events, but we have a plan in place to provide parents the opportunity to see a live stream of an event. There is a cost associated with this opportunity that will be detailed on our website, social media pages and other documents.

QUESTION: How will people be kept safe during indoor events for athletics?

ANSWER: As of 11/13/2020, Governor Northam issued new guidelines, limiting indoor and outdoor events to 25 people total (down from the previous limit of 250 total people). As it stands, there will not be any spectators allowed at athletic contests - only designated school personnel, officials and the players and coaches involved in the games. All persons in attendance that are not actively involved in the game will wear face coverings and be physically distanced at least 6ft from others at all times. This is a non-negotiable. There will also be sanitizing stations for each team at the indoor events and signage posted with our expectations at our events. Event staff, coaches and players will conduct health screenings to ensure that people do not have a high temperature nor any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Announcements will also be made throughout the contest to ensure that everyone in attendance is reminded about our expectations throughout our contests.

QUESTION: Are PTA groups allowed to meet on school grounds?

ANSWER: Not during Phase II. However, in Phase III, PTA Board meetings would be allowed, but not PTA whole group meetings.

QUESTION: Will PTA events and fundraisers be canceled for the 2020-2021 year?

ANSWER: Under Phase II, PTA events and fundraisers will be canceled. In Phase III, the ability to host events and fundraisers will be determined at that time based on guidance from the state on group gatherings.

QUESTION: Will Louisa County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism still be holding after-school and evening activities at schools?

ANSWER: Yes. Louisa County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism plans to hold after-school and evening activities at schools. LCPRT will work to ensure programs meet health guidelines and social distancing requirements.

QUESTION: What will family involvement and events look like during the 2020-2021 school year?

ANSWER: At this time, no in-person family/community events are scheduled for the Spring 2021 semester. LCPS will utilize online methods to host family/community events during the Spring 2021 semester.

QUESTION: Will before and after-school care be available to families?

ANSWER: Louisa County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism will be providing before and after-school care for families. For more information, click here.

QUESTION: Are LCPS facilities available for community use at this time?

ANSWER: Not during Phase II or III. We will review all restrictions once we reach Beyond Phase III.

QUESTION: What learning model options are available to students with IEPs?

ANSWER: All students have the option for virtual learning. All other students will have blended learning – A Days (Mon/Thurs) or B Days (Tues/Fri) in school and other days with virtual learning.

Virtual learning may look different from general education for students with IEPs. Learning off-site may be characterized as remote learning if virtual learning format is not accessible for a student. Home-based instruction may be most appropriate for some students.

QUESTION: When will IEP meetings begin?

ANSWER IEP meetings will begin once academic schedules have been finalized (approximately beginning in early/mid-July.)

QUESTION: Who are the students that are referenced in Phase descriptions when stating “some special education” programs will be able to receive services?

ANSWER: Phases 1 and 2 allow for education of students in “some special education programs.” This is not defined by the federal or state departments, but it is intended to be for those students with intensive support needs. Some students with IEPs will be eligible for more than two days of instruction in school. IEP service percentages BEFORE school closure were analyzed. The calculation below is a guideline; all discussion of services is an IEP team decision.

• • Students with total service percentages above 50% are eligible to attend four days of instruction in school. Those students eligible to receive four days of instruction were self-contained for the majority of the day.

  • Students with total service percentages between 20-49% are eligible to attend three days of instruction in school. Those students eligible to receive three days of instruction were self-contained for at least one block/class daily.

  • Students with total service percentages less than 20% will attend two days of instruction in school. Not every student with an IEP has the same intensity of needs. For many students, specially designed instruction and accommodations can be provided in the same amount of time comparable to general education students.

QUESTION: How will related services be provided per IEPs?

ANSWER: Provision of related services requiring direct physical contact (adapted P.E., PT, OT) is still to be determined. Teletherapy and services through a facilitator are being considered. Speech and language services, behavioral consult, vision and hearing impaired services, and counseling may be provided with mitigation strategies in place. Related services will be scheduled for days students are in school. IEP teams will need to consider provision of services for those students receiving virtual instruction.

QUESTION: How will special transportation be provided per IEPs?

ANSWER: Face coverings or face shields are required for riding school vehicles unless a medical note is on file. Social distancing is a priority as much as possible, so most students will not be able to ride in a car.

QUESTION: How will teachers serve students in self-contained classrooms and maintain social distancing?

ANSWER: Building administration will work with self-contained teachers to structure classrooms for social distancing. Some strategies include: switching to a bigger classroom, dividing the class between the teacher and instructional assistant(s) in two or more rooms, providing clear, acrylic barriers for small group instruction, and /or structuring AM/PM services to keep groups small (early childhood).

QUESTION: How will teachers and staff safely address toileting and feeding needs of students?

ANSWER: Staff will be trained on managing personal care duties safely and cleaning and sanitizing shared areas between students. Each classroom will be provided with cleaning materials for prompt cleaning and sanitizing during the day. Custodial staff in each building will establish a cleaning schedule with classroom teachers for bathrooms in classrooms. Staff members will be required to wear face coverings and gloves. KN95 masks are available to staff who change or feed students.

QUESTION: How will IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences be held?

ANSWER: Parents are allowed on school property for meetings but must agree to socially distance, wear a face mask, and participate in a health screening. IEP teams should continue to allow the option for virtual or phone participation.

QUESTION: How will my Virtual School student who has an IEP get the help he/she is required to have?

ANSWER: IEP meetings will be held to consider the needs of a student, including the impact of school closure, in determining services for a student. Staffing to provide services is determined by the school. Guidance for providing virtual special education services will be provided.

QUESTION: Will ESOL services be provided to all English Learners?

ANSWER: Yes, we are providing ESOL services to all students who qualify. The type and amount of services will be determined during each student's LIEP meeting