FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Information about School Operations

Added 10/13/20

Can I change my child’s learning model option for the second semester of 2020-21?

Yes, anyone currently enrolled in Bedford Connects (100% remote learning) may switch to in-person learning (Grades PK-6) or blended learning (Grades 7-12) for the second semester. Also, anyone currently enrolled in in-person or blended learning may switch to Bedford Connects (100% remote learning) for the second semester. This will be the last opportunity to make changes until the end of the 2020-21 school year.

How do I let BCPS know that I want to switch my child’s learning model option for the second semester of 2020-21?

BCPS will be releasing a form on October 19, 2020 to parents/guardians to change your child’s learning model option for the second semester. This form, which will also include questions about your transportation needs, is due no later than November 2, 2020. There will be no availability for changes after this date. We are still asking families to drive their children to school if that is a practical option.

Where can I find the form that allows me to switch my child’s learning model option for the second semester of 2020-21?

The form will be emailed to all parents/guardians. The form is also posted on our BCPS webpage and social media platforms.

If I am happy with my child’s learning model option, do I need to do anything?

No, if you are happy with your child’s learning model option from the first semester and want to continue with the same option, there is no action required on your part. Your child will remain enrolled as they are now for the first semester.

Who should I contact if I am not sure whether or not it makes sense to switch my child’s learning model option for the second semester of 2020-21?

Your child’s teacher(s) and/or learning coaches can offer the best insight into an individual’s learning strengths and needs. You may also talk to the school counselor or administrator to discuss options that would be the best choice for your child. If your child is a young learner (Grades K-2) and you would like to move them from in-person learning to a virtual environment, please be aware that parents/guardians are committing themselves to act as facilitators for instructional support, which requires time during the day.

Added Before 10/13/20

What are the start dates and start/end times for schools?

Elementary Schools and Bedford Primary

Start Date: September 8, 2020

Start/End Times: 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Middle Schools

Start Date: September 9, 2020

Start/End Times: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

High Schools

Start Date: September 10, 2020

Start/End Times: 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Note: We may need to stagger these times slightly to allow for social distancing.

Bedford Connects Remote Learning

Start Date: September 8, 2020

Will the last day of school change due to the delayed start of the school year?

The calendar changes we announced are now reflected in an updated 2020-21 school calendar. At this point that calendar keeps the "last day of school" as May 28, 2021. This calendar, like everything related to the 2020-21 school year, is subject to future changes.

What are the grade level configurations for each school for the 2020-21 school year?

Elementary Schools & Bedford Primary

• Bedford Elementary School (1-3)

• Bedford Primary School (PK & K)

• Big Island Elementary School (K-4)

• Boonsboro Elementary School (K-4)

• Forest Elementary School (K-4)

• Goodview Elementary School (PK-3)

• Huddleston Elementary School (PK-4)

• Moneta Elementary School (PK-4)

• Montvale Elementary School (PK-4)

• New London Academy (PK-3)

• Otter River Elementary School (PK-3)

  • 4th & 5th graders from ORES will go to the middle school they are zoned for based on their residential address.

• Stewartsville Elementary School (PK-4)

• Thomas Jefferson Elementary School (PK-3)

Middle Schools

Students whose elementary schools do not list 4^th grade will be assigned to their zoned middle school.

• Forest Middle School (4-6)

• Liberty Middle School (4-6)

• Staunton River Middle School (4-6)

High Schools

Students will be assigned to their zoned high school.

• Jefferson Forest High School (7-12)

• Liberty High School (7-12)

• Staunton River High School (7-12)

What are the plans for students who attend the Central Virginia Governor’s School (CVGS)?

CVGS classes begin on August 4th. Bedford County students who also attend CVGS will attend CVGS in person from 7:30 a.m.-10:10 a.m. on Tuesdays and will attend remote synchronously classes at CVGS during the same time frame. Students will be part of the Tuesday/Friday group at their base school. Transportation will be provided to and from the base school to CVGS.

What are the plans for students who attend the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School (RVGS)?

RVGS classes begin virtually on August 18th. On-campus courses will begin on, or after, September 8th. Bedford County students will attend RVGS on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. The rest of the week they will attend synchronous classes virtually during the same time frame. These students will be part of the Monday/Thursday group at SRHS. Transportation will be provided to and from SRHS.

What are the plans for students who attend the XLR8 STEM Academy?

XLR8 classes will begin on August 24th. The XLR8 STEM Academy schedules vary for Bedford County students depending on what courses they are enrolled in. On Mondays and Tuesdays all XLR8 STEM Academy learners will attend remotely from 8:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Depending on course work, some learners will attend in person for labs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and/or Fridays, while others will continue with synchronous remote sessions. On these days, times will vary by course but will fall within 7:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Transportation will be provided to and from the base schools.

What are the plans for students who attend CVCC Bedford Center Early College?

Early College classes begin on August 24th. Bedford County Early College students will attend synchronous and asynchronous virtual classes from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. each day. Seniors participating in science labs will attend in person on some days. Transportation will be provided to and from the base school to the CVCC Bedford Center.

Health and Safety

Added 11/10/20

What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing is the process of notifying people (contacts) of the potential exposure to COVID-19 and providing relevant health information, including instructions regarding self-quarantine and monitoring for symptoms. Our School Nurse Team for Bedford County Public Schools are trained and certified as contact tracers and work in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) daily in contact tracing procedures for schools. This includes near daily consultation with VDH staff/epidemiology to identify transmissions, register positive cases, and monitor outbreak status.

Bedford County Public Schools: Contact Tracing

What is Contact Tracing?

How does contact tracing work?

Contact tracing begins with a case investigation with the individual who has tested positive. Through a rigorous series of questions regarding symptoms, onset of symptoms, and activities during the days preceding symptoms, the School Nurse then determines any close contacts to the affected individual. Close contacts are determined on a case-by-base basis and is someone who was within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes with a person diagnosed with COVID-19. The assessment of close contact will be made by the School Nurse based on physical distancing, proper use of face coverings, prolonged versus brief periods of contact, types of activities during contact, and relevant health factors for the exposed individual. Each close contact is then notified individually (adult or parent) and provided information of the exposure and instructed for quarantine procedures.

School Nurses work extensively with families and school staff from the start of the case investigation to conclusion of contact tracing and tracing procedures may take several hours with a single case. Families are provided follow-up nurse consultation during quarantine to ensure children are improving from symptoms or being monitored for symptom onset.

How does contact tracing work if the COVID-19 individual is a very young child?

School Nurses will include in the case investigation interviews with parents, classroom teachers and any school staff supervising that specific student (including transportation, recess, lunch, arrival/dismissal) to determine relevant classroom arrangements, activities and subsequent contacts with other students.

Will I be notified if someone in my child’s class tests positive?

Bedford County Public Schools provides a daily posting to the website regarding COVID-19 positive findings in schools. Parents will not be provided specific information about the classroom impacted or any specific adult staff impacted. However, a parent would be directly notified if their child were determined to be a close contact of the affected student and given immediate guidance for quarantine and monitoring. Even if the classmate were not identified as a close contact, a parent may also be notified if their child has a chronic medical condition documented with the School Nurse since that would place the child at increased risk from potential exposure.

Why can’t parents know what class or grade is affected, without giving out names?

Professional standards for the School Nurse team and protocols of public health codes requires confidentiality of all protected health information. Contact tracing must be conducted in a manner that preserves the confidentiality and privacy of all involved. If a class group was advised of a positive case and then a child/adult is absent from that setting for an extended period of time, the identity of the affected individual becomes apparent. Even though this disclosure is indirect, it is not an allowable disclosure. While not revealing a name, the specific class information would indirectly compromise the privacy BCPS is required to uphold with HIPAA and public health regulations for our students and staff.

What information will you share with people I’ve been around recently if I have COVID-19?

Your name will not be shared with those you came in contact with. We will only tell people who you have been around recently that they might have been exposed to COVID-19. Any information you share with contact tracing staff is confidential. This means that your name, personal, and medical information will be kept private.

I was recently around someone who has COVID-19, but I feel fine. Why should I stay at home?

People with COVID-19 can still spread the virus even if they don’t have any symptoms. If you know you were around someone who had COVID-19 or you were notified, it is critical that you stay home away from others for 14 days from the last day that you were around that person. Staying home away from others at all times helps your health department in the fight against COVID-19 and helps protect you, your classmates or teachers, your family, and your community.

What do I do if I feel sick?

If you become ill during quarantine, please follow up with the School Nurse as part of continued contact tracing. You should also tell people you were around recently, so they can monitor their health. Tell anyone who you were within 6 feet of for 15 minutes or more in the two days before you first developed COVID-19 symptoms. If your symptoms worsen or become severe, seek medical care. Severe symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face.

Added before 11/10/20

How will our schools be cleaned to lessen the risk of virus spread?

Several cleaning strategies will be put into place to increase safety in our schools. Learning spaces will be decluttered to enable more regular cleaning of surfaces. Staff will disinfect desks and other surfaces in learning areas between student uses, and students will be trained to clean their own personal spaces (without harsh chemicals). We will increase the frequency of restroom cleaning throughout the day. Water fountains will be closed for use (students should have personal labeled water bottles).

Will face coverings be required?

The previous guidance included in the BCPS 2020-21 Health & Safety Plan on face coverings was updated at the 8/13/20 School Board Meeting to “require face coverings on the bus and indoors in public spaces when social distancing is not possible and at teacher discretion in classrooms.” Please note that this update does not override state guidance that states, “Staff and students should use cloth face coverings when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as is medically and developmentally appropriate”.

Will hand sanitizer be available on buses and in schools?

Yes, BCPS will be making hand sanitizer available on buses, and will be increasing the amount of sanitizer available to students in our schools and also providing ample time for students to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

Will BCPS be restricting visitors to schools?

Yes. Visitors will be limited to those with essential school business only. Families are encouraged to call or email whenever possible. Only school staff will be able to be in the school working with students during Phase 3 restrictions.

Will BCPS be practicing social distancing?

We will be asking that all of our staff and students practice social distancing. When that is not possible, staff and students will be required to wear facial coverings. Schools will contain signage in key areas to promote appropriate distancing.

How will there be enough space within the school for students and staff to practice social distancing?

In order to accomplish this, BCPS will be restructuring grade level assignments to school buildings.

How do I do the daily health screening?

Click here for Planning for a Health Return to School Information in PDF format

What will BCPS do if a student or school staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

All BCPS school nurses have been trained as contact tracers. Upon report of a positive COVID-19 case, nurses will immediately begin contact tracing protocols. They will first contact the parent or guardian of any child who tests positive, as well as any staff member who tests positive to gather more information and determine if COVID-19 was transmitted at school or in the community.

How will individuals be identified as “in contact” with another individual who has tested positive for COVID-19?

All individuals identified as “in contact” will receive communication from school nurses advising them about any individual quarantine and/or COVID-19 testing recommendations.

If a school has an individual test positive for COVID-19, how will parents, employees, and the community be informed?

The BCPS web page will display daily updates about the number of positive cases reported involving students or employees involved in in-person or blended learning in our schools beginning September 8, 2020 and continuing on subsequent school days during the 2020-21 school year.

What specific information will these daily updates provide?

Daily updates will include the number of individuals who have been reported as testing positive, as well as the school or schools where these individuals have been present. For each positive case reported, we will also relay whether the positive case was traced to transmission at school or in the community.

What happens if students or staff are at school with a fever or other potential COVID-19 symptoms?

Students or staff who have a fever or other potential COVID-19 symptoms will be assessed by a school nurse in a designated “sick room” of the school in order to keep them isolated from students making regular clinic visits. A mask is required for students placed in the isolation area. Parents or emergency contacts will be contacted to pick up students with fevers/symptoms as soon as possible. Staff with fevers and/or other potential symptoms will depart the school building immediately. School nurses will provide students and staff a copy of clinic assessment results as well as return to school guidelines.

Under what conditions would BCPS suspend daily in-person and blended learning options?

The decision to temporarily suspend in-person or blended learning for the entire school division or individual schools will consider a number of factors Including:

• Level of community transmission

• Level of positive cases reported among students and employees

• Other indicators discussed with local public health officials

Are there situations where some individuals would be quarantined away from school, while others could be present for in-person or blended learning?

Yes, contact tracing will determine which individuals need to stay away from school campuses, as well as when those individuals may return to school. The BCPS 2020-21 return to school plan separates individuals into small cohorts to minimize mixing individuals to the extent possible. If we are able to maintain these separate cohorts, we can also limit the number of individuals that may be required to self-quarantine in response to a positive COVID-19 case.

Will students or staff who exhibit symptoms of illness be required to show a negative COVID-19 test to return to school or work?

No, students and staff do not have to show a negative COVID-19 test result to return to school or work. Students and staff may present with illness and symptoms unrelated to COVID-19 exposure. However, if a student or staff member is in close contact of a person with COVID-19, even if they have a negative test after their exposure, they should self-quarantine (stay home) and monitor for symptoms until 14 days after the date of last close contact with the person infected with COVID-19. It is possible that they were very early in their infection when their sample was collected and that they could test positive later.

The CDC and VDH do not recommend requiring a negative COVID-19 test in order for students or staff to return to school or work but does offer specific guidance for evaluating symptoms with exposure.

These requirements include:

• At least ten days since onset of symptoms if there was a corresponding potential exposure and

• Fever free for 24hrs without medication

• Improvement of symptoms

Click here for the Virginia Department of Health Standard public health quarantine guidance

Students who have presenting symptoms of illness and no close contact or potential exposure to COVID-19 must be symptom-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication.

What if students or staff test negative during quarantine, can they leave home and go back to school or work?

Even if students and staff don’t have symptoms, it is important to stay at home for 14 days since their last exposure. It can take up to 14 days after exposure to the virus for a person to develop COVID-19 symptoms. Getting tested for COVID-19 can help to identify infections quickly, but a negative test result before the end of the 14-day quarantine period does not rule out possible infection. By self-quarantining for 14 days, they lower the chance of possibly exposing others to COVID-19.

What is BCPS plan/protocol for the cleaning of school buildings if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?

Staff will disinfect affected surfaces, floors, and learning materials as necessary in learning areas using appropriate, documented cleaning products as outlined in CDC, VDH, and DOE guidance.

School Nutrition Program

Will school meals be served to all students free of charge?

Yes, meals will be free to all students through December 31, 2020 or as long as federal funds are available. After this date, The United States Department of Agriculture will require school nutrition programs to revert back to National School Lunch and School Breakfast guidelines. In the meantime, we ask that all families apply for free and reduced meal assistance. In 2021, the amount that a learner is charged for their meals will depend on the approved meal status. If a family is approved for free meals, the learner will enjoy breakfast and lunch at no cost. If a family is approved for reduced price meals, the learner will enjoy breakfast at no cost and lunch will cost $0.40. If a family does not qualify for meal assistance, the learner will be charged $1.35 for breakfast and $2.40 for elementary lunch and $2.65 for middle and high school lunch.

How do I apply for meal assistance?

Families can apply for meal assistance online by visiting the BCPS website and looking for the Online Meal Application section located on the main page. This is the preferred method. Online applications will be processed faster and this will cut down on the number of paper applications being handled. Each school building will have paper applications for families who prefer this method. Please remember that the approved meal status that a learner had at the end of last school year carries over for the beginning of the new school year and can be used for up to the first 30 operating days of the new school year.

What menu options will be available to learners?

To begin the school year, the menu will be modified. The menu cycle will rotate on a two week basis instead of a four week basis as it has in the past. We will offer a choice of one hot entree and one cold entree at both breakfast and lunch along with vegetable, fruit and milk options. As learners and staff members get more comfortable with the changes in meal service, available menu options may increase.

Will learners be able to purchase snack items from the cafeteria?

To give staff members and learners time to adjust to the changes with school meals, no snack items, with the exception of bottled water, will be available for purchase at any elementary school until later in September. Middle and high schools will begin the school year with a limit of two snack items available for purchase and this may be increased later in September. This plan will be reevaluated in early September and any changes will be communicated to parents.

How will school meals be served to learners?

To protect the safety of our learners and school staff, all school meals will be served as a grab and go option. Learners will not be allowed to touch any food items or supplies as they pick up their meals. School Nutrition Staff members will be placing all of a learner’s food selections, papers supplies, condiments, etc., in a grab and go containers and handing it off to the learner.

How will learners access their school meal accounts?

To protect the safety of our learners and school staff, learners will not be entering their student ID #’s into the cafeteria pin pad. Barcode Scanners have been purchased for all school cafeterias. School Nutrition Staff members will use preprinted barcode cards to rosters to enter each learner’s cafeteria purchases into the point of sale system.

Will cash and check payments still be accepted in the school cafeteria?

Yes, cash and check payments will still be accepted. However, the school nutrition program encourages parents to make online meal payments with My School Bucks. To set up a My School Bucks account, visit www.myschoolbucks.com.

My child will be doing the 100% remote learning option with Bedford Connects. Will my child still be able to receive school meals?

Yes, these learners will have access to school meals. Access to meals for 100% remote learners will begin on Tuesday, September 8^th since this is the first day of school for 100% remote learners. There will be a designated curbside pickup time for each school. Once lunch schedules are finalized at each school, the pickup time for our remote learners will be established and communicated to parents. Parents will need to pick up meals from the school that their child would be attending if they were doing in person learning. When parents arrive at the school for curbside pickup, they may request a lunch for that day and a breakfast for the next morning. The menus for remote learners will be posted on the BCPS website once finalized. Please remember that the cost of these meals will depend on the approved meal status of your child. If they are approved for free meals, the meals will be at no cost; if approved for reduced meals, breakfast is at no cost and lunch is $0.40; if students do not qualify for meal benefits, breakfast is $1.35 and elementary building lunch is $2.40 and middle and high school building lunch is $2.65. Parents should ensure that adequate funds are available on their child’s account to pay for school meals.

My child will be attending a high school building and will only be in school 2 days per week. Will my child have access to school meals on the days they are learning from home?

Yes, learners will be provided with the option of take home meals to enjoy on their learning days at home. When learners go to the school cafeteria at lunch time, they will need to communicate their request for take home meals to the school cafeteria staff. Take home meals will be given to students at the end of the school day. Families can refer to the Take Home Meal menu for high school students that will be posted on the BCPS website. If your child will attend school on Mondays and Thursdays, they will refer to the “A” Day menu. If your child will attend school on Tuesdays and Fridays, they will refer to the “B” Day menu.

Learning and Support

What will the plan for next school year look like for my child?

Learning will look very different next year. BCPS is currently working on three methods of instruction for students. PK-6th grade learners will have face-to-face instruction five days a week. Learners in grades 7-12 will have a hybrid option that will consist of both face-to-face and online instruction. We will also be offering a 100% remote option for families.

Will students still be able to take elective classes in the blended learning environment for grades 7-12 next year?

Yes. While the schedule will look different because of CDC guidelines and suggestions from the Virginia Department of Health for social distancing and monitoring mixing of student groups throughout the day, learners will still be able to take elective classes.

What will be done to support the social and emotional well-being of my child(ren)?

Activities are being organized to support the mental health of our students as well as their physical health. Adolescents will be assigned a learning coach who will serve as a single contact for students and parents to assist them in connecting with the learning community for the school year. Mental Health Support Team members will be supporting social-emotional learning activities with embedded curriculum in the K-6 classrooms to strengthen competencies and community. School Counselor responsibilities will be directed specifically to individual counseling support throughout the school day in K-6 programs.

If 4th and 5th graders will be in the middle school, how will they have recess? There is no equipment there to meet all of their needs.

Recess can be a variety of activities that allow the student time to take a break from classroom activities. This can be done without stationary playground equipment.

What will gifted education look like for 2020-21?

There will be a gifted teacher assigned to each elementary and middle school building as in the past. All students will continue to receive their services. Students enrolled in the remote learning option will receive their services in a remote format from the gifted teacher located at their base school. Grades 7-12 gifted services will continue in the same manner as they did during the 2019-20 school year, with a gifted coordinator in each high school building.

Will identified IEP students at the elementary level who have received one on one instruction for math and or science receive these same accommodations under the school reopening plans?

All decisions made by the IEP teams will be adhered to at all levels.

If a senior finishes graduation requirements 1st semester how will that affect college prep/testing?

If students complete graduation requirements in the first semester, we will work with them to consider all of their options for community college and other dual enrollment options at the high school. These will be handled on a case by case basis.

An entire year's worth of a subject in one semester is a lot for some kids; what happens if they get behind?

With the reduced number of courses students are taking we will work to keep students moving forward. If needed, we will make adjustments for students.

Is Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT) still available? What does it look like for those in the blended option?

Yes. TDT counselors will work with students when they are on campus and may connect by phone on other days.

What is the procedure for Chromebook distribution for Grades 6-12 Blended Learning and Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center?

• For students (Grades 6-12) attending the in school option, 1:1 Chromebook distribution will be planned by school staff.

• Students attending Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center should pick up their Chromebooks at their base high school (JFHS, LHS, or SRHS).

Will dual enrollment courses previously offered in a year-long format (Math 161/162, English 111/112, and Accounting I/II) stay the same?

These dual enrollment courses have been offered in a two-semester sequence in prior school years. With this year's high school schedule being created around semester blocks rather than year-long courses, these classes will be offered back to back in one semester. Since students are only focused on 2-3 courses each semester more time will be available for them to focus on the dual enrollment content.

What if my child is struggling with the dual enrollment content that is in a nine-week course format?

The teacher will work with the learning coach and student to schedule more face-to-face tutoring, small group instruction, and may ask the student to attend on a flex day for additional support. If the student continues to struggle or need the content presented slower, the dual enrollment teacher will work with Central Virginia Community College, the student, and the family to offer more time to complete the course work.

What is the schedule for students attending Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center (GSTC)?

Students will attend on an A/B day schedule (A-Monday & Thursday, B-Tuesday & Friday) with their GSTC instructors. Specific programs will develop schedules to ensure required clock hours are met for each program.

Will students attending GSTC have Learning Coaches?

Yes. Learning Coaches will be located at GSTC and will meet with students to assist them with courses and scheduling.

How will content courses be taught at GSTC?

Students at GSTC will receive instruction from teachers at their base school in math, science, history, and English remotely with support of content teachers who will be located on the GSTC campus along with assistance from their Learning Coach.

Will students attending GSTC be allowed to drive to school?

Yes. Students will be allowed to drive to GSTC and park on campus.

Will bus transportation be provided to and from GSTC?

Yes. Students can ride the bus from their base school to GSTC and the bus will return to the base school in the afternoon.

Can a student attending classes at GSTC return to their base school to take elective courses?

No. Students attending classes at GSTC will be required to take their courses on the GSTC campus with their established cohort due to contact tracing requirements.

100% Remote Learning

What is Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Bedford Connects: Remote Learning is the 100% remote option for Bedford County students. This is an online virtual “school.”

What will the 100% remote option look like in the 2020-21 school year?

This will be a district wide learning opportunity, which will be outside the traditional school model. The plan is to provide instruction for kindergarten through 12th grade. This option will have its own faculty. It will be self-paced and will work in conjunction with Virtual Virginia utilizing Canvas, as well as Edgenuity. We are trying to do our best to provide comparable remote education to that occurring in our school buildings.

Why are we using Canvas and not Google Classroom? Teachers and students are already overwhelmed heading back to school with the “new normal”. Using Classroom, which most are already familiar with, would ensure an easier transition into the digital world.

Feedback from parents and students indicated that continuing learning after the school shut-down was difficult because of the many different tools and learning management systems being utilized. The Virginia Department of Education has provided the Canvas learning management system to all school divisions at no cost, with content available for teacher use. It is much more user friendly for students, parents, and teachers.

Will students be allowed to switch from Bedford Connects: Remote Learning back to blended learning at any time?

No. We are asking families to commit to at least the first semester with the option to enroll for the year. At the end of first semester families will have the option to go back to their designated school.

What does attendance look like in the Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Attendance will be determined by active participation in remote learning. This could look different in different courses.

Is the Internet required to be in the Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Reliable Internet that is provided by the family will be necessary to participate in the remote learning option.

What if I want to choose the 100% remote learning option, but I do not have a reliable internet connection?

BCPS and Bedford County have been working with providers on a two-pronged approach to increase internet coverage and make access affordable to families. More information will be released later in the summer about options. However, reliable Internet that is provided by the family will be necessary to participate in this option.

Will students enrolled in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning option that do not have Internet be receiving a hotspot?

No. If families do not have Internet, hotspots will not be provided.

Will Chromebooks be provided to students in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning option?

Chromebooks will be provided for grades 3-12 only.

What is the procedure for Chromebook distribution for Bedford Connects Remote Learning?

Students in grades 3-12 that will be participating in Bedford Connects Remote Learning (BCRL) may be assigned a device to use at home. Information regarding distribution to these students is as follows:

• Students that are in grades 3–5 will need to check out a device from their base elementary school. The elementary school they would have attended. This will occur on August 25th from 1-6 p.m.

• Students in 6th grade will be assigned a 1:1 device at the middle school they would have attended. This will occur on August 24th from 1-6 p.m.

• Students in grades 7-12 will be assigned a device at the high school they would have attended.

• Device Agreements will be signed by all families receiving a device.

Bedford Connects families receiving a device will need to have their student(s) sign-in to the Chromebook using their assigned BCPS Google account after the Chromebook has been joined to their home WiFi. If students try to sign in before the Chromebook is connected to WiFi, it will not work. They can also sign in to the student account while on the school network. Either way, the initial sign-in must be done when the Chromebook is connected to the Internet.

Elementary families will fill out a Device Agreement when they pick up their students’ Chromebook. Families will need to sign the first page. The school fills out the second page of the agreement.

What is the cost for participation in the Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

There is no cost associated with the remote school for Bedford County residents. However, if a student is interested in Driver’s Ed, there will be a fee associated with VADETS, the online driver’s education instruction model for the state. Additional costs may be related to dual enrollment or Advanced Placement tests if applicable.

When/how can I contact my teacher (content specialist) in the remote learning environment?

This will be set up with teachers of the remote school. Communication should happen via email.

Is there a “cap” on the number of students in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Any student currently on the Bedford Connects waiting list will be admitted for the 2020-21 school year. Additional requests to enroll in Bedford Connects or return to in person/blended learning options will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020. Anyone who makes these requests after the 8/17/20 5:00 p.m. deadline will be placed on a new waiting list and will not necessarily be guaranteed admission. THOSE WISHING TO UPDATE THEIR ENROLLMENT CHOICE SHOULD CALL THEIR CHILD’S 2020-21 ASSIGNED SCHOOL NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. on 8/17/20.

What is the maximum number of students a teacher can have in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Until we know more about who will be attending Bedford Connects: Remote Learning, there are no exact numbers currently.

In the Bedford Connects: Remote Learning do students have access to assistance during the day? What are the “office hours”?

Office hours will be set by the remote teachers and staff will determine support throughout the day as a team. The expectation will be for Bedford Connects: Remote Learning staff be available each day to provide support.

Is special education, ELL, etc. support offered in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Yes, support for special education, ELL, etc. are being considered in all plans.

Will students in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning be expected to sign an agreement?

Yes, an agreement will be developed for the parents and students to sign.

What are the expectations for completing work in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Expectations for completed work will vary from course to course and will be set by the remote teacher.

Will students have opportunities to interact with peers (virtually) in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

There will be opportunities created by the remote teacher to facilitate virtual groupings.

If I choose Bedford Connects: Remote Learning am I allowed on the campus of my base school?

Teachers and students would be encouraged to stay off campus within the remote learning environment. However, if there is a need to be on campus, individual appointments could be scheduled to facilitate an on campus visit. Additionally, students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities, those activities that take place after school hours.

Will students in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning be able to participate in extracurricular activities?

• Students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities, those activities that take place after school hours.

• According to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), students participating in a sports program will need to be enrolled in THREE courses in the current semester and pass THREE courses in the previous semester.

• Students will not be allowed to participate in co-curricular activities, those activities that take place during the school day or require a class on campus to participate in after school activities. A few Career and Technical (CTE) courses require co-curricular activities.

How will Internet or technology concerns be handled during the school year for Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Technology support will be offered for BCPS owned devices on an individual basis. Technology issues should be brought to the remote teacher’s attention. Support will not be available for personal devices or home Internet issues.

Who is teaching in Bedford Connects: Remote Learning?

Certified Bedford County teachers will be the instructors. There may be some courses that will have outside teachers provided by Virtual Virginia or Edgenuity.

Will parents have access to begin learning how to use Virtual Virginia?

Parents will not be able to access Canvas, but they will be able to see courses assigned to students once the year starts. We will provide support to parents once we get all of the teachers trained.

Do Bedford Connects Remote Learning students get a learning coach as well or is that the parent?

Students in the remote learning program will build relationships with their online teachers, but may not have learning coaches as the on-campus students.

Are the hours for Bedford Connects Remote Learning the same as the hours in the school day?

Online hours are flexible. In some cases, students may work in the evenings when parents are available to support.

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