Return to Learn: Plan for a Safe Return 2020-2021
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Elementary School Expectations
Elementary School Learning
NNPS has developed an elementary academic plan that will support teaching and learning for all students. The academic plan has been revised to include learning modules that will address content what was not taught during the 2019-2020 school year.
All instruction and assignments will follow the Virginia Standards of Learning and align to the written, taught, and assessed curriculum to promote continuous learning.
During the 2020-2021 school year, the school division is expanding its one-to-one technology initiative to provide a Chromebook for every student in kindergarten through 12th grade to support learning in-person and online.
Students enrolled in the virtual learning option will engage in four days of at-home learning with scheduled live, virtual instruction from teachers, and one day of independent learning. Virtual instruction may include live video conferencing with a teacher, pre-recorded video lessons to view, and independent work that students will complete on the Canvas learning management system, and/or projects that allow for voice and choice in student assignments.
Students engage in four days of at-home learning with some live, virtual instruction from teachers, and one day of independent learning.
Students work independently on Wednesday (some identified students may receive additional support).
Class sizes are larger because learning is virtual and CDC guidelines do not apply.
Instruction is facilitated by teachers using the Canvas Learning Management System every day.
Students complete and submit assignments in Canvas.
Teachers provide feedback to students and/or post grades weekly.
Instruction is differentiated to include enrichment opportunities and innovative lessons that provide voice and choice in learning.
Physical Education
In the hybrid learning model, physical education (PE) will be conducted while physical distancing is practiced. Teachers and students must wear face coverings. Classes, which will be limited in size, will be held outdoors whenever possible.
Prior to beginning PE, proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing will be taught. Signs and floor/field markings will be used to ensure physical distancing. Activities that require limited or no equipment will be considered as well as activities that can be performed within physical distancing guidelines. Students will sanitize hands prior to PE class and afterwards. If any equipment is utilized, the teacher will disinfect the equipment before the next class arrives.
Specific entrances and exits to and from the building/gym will be utilized for physical education classes.
Recess
Recess will be held outdoors whenever possible for students participating in hybrid learning. The CDC guidelines recommend separating classes for recess. All indoor and outdoor spaces will be considered to provide a range of activity options and minimize crowding. Physical distancing of 10 feet will be required during physical activity. If separate bins/bags of equipment are used for each class during recess, the equipment will be disinfected between recess periods.
A variety of outside spaces will be offered where free choice of different activities can take place including quiet, creative, and solo activity spaces. Various "zones" will be marked to reduce the number of students who are in contact with each other. Students will sanitize hands before and prior to the end of recess.
Playground pods will not be utilized.
Art
Students learning through the hybrid model will be provided individual sketch pads and paper at school. Parents/guardians will be asked to provide individual art supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils, erasers, scissors, rulers, etc.) that will remain with the student.
Students enrolled in the virtual model will receive instruction online. Parents/guardians will be asked to provide individual art supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils, erasers, scissors, rulers, etc.) for use at home.
Music
Group singing and sharing of instruments are not advised while social distancing guidelines are in place. Music teachers will alter the in-class curriculum and will focus on creative processes, critical thinking and communication, historical and cultural influences, and innovations in the arts. Students will be encouraged to practice singing at home, maintain practice logs or journals, and create recordings at home for feedback from the teacher.
Students enrolled in virtual learning may record themselves singing and/or playing musical selections as advised by the teacher.
Library/Media
During in-person instruction, school librarians will assist during the literacy block as needed to co-teach information literacy, guide inquiry learning and promote literacy enrichment. Students may check out books online, which will be delivered to classrooms for distribution. When books are returned, they will be sanitized and held at least 72 hours before being returned to circulation.
To support virtual learning, school librarians will assist students with inquiry projects, self-directed reading, and coursework.
School librarians will also host virtual book clubs and assist students with e-books for self-directed reading.
Attendance
Attendance will be calculated when students come to school, log into Canvas for guided and independent practice assignments, or communicate progress and efforts to their teacher.
Grading
Teachers will communicate performance and grades to parents and students regularly and consistently. Grades will be posted weekly in ParentVue and StudentVue in grades 3-5. Teachers in grades pre-kindergarten through second grade will communicate performance and feedback to parents and students through the communication tool identified by the teacher.
Local & State Testing
NNPS is revising its assessment plan for the 2020-2021 school year to ensure that it meets the needs of our students and provides teachers and administrators with the information needed to support instruction.
All testing practices will adhere to the requirements outlined by the Virginia Department of Education.
School Counseling
School Counselors will schedule in-person and virtual sessions with students as needed. Online resources will support student learning. Families and students may contact their school counselor with questions or to request support. Visit the Professional School Counseling website for contact information.
Social & Emotional Learning
The social and emotional well-being of our students is paramount. NNPS mental health professionals will ensure staff is trained to recognize and respond to the social and emotional needs of our students.