Frequently Asked Questions

Students who choose the blended option will begin the 20-21 school year engaging in face-to-face and remote learning. In this model, students will attend school two consecutive days per week, either Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday.  They will then spend the remaining three days of the school week learning remotely. See the AA/BB blended learning schedule outlined below:

Teachers will offer office hours and will be available to support students on Wednesdays. Teachers will also use the day for curriculum planning and professional learning.  Additional cleaning will also take place on Wednesdays.

FCPS will group students alphabetically by last name.  Our priority will be to keep families together in the same group.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, teachers will provide students with materials/activities/instructions about where to access learning resources via Blackboard/Google Classroom. This will prepare students to work remotely while not in school. The remote learning activities should be project-based and hands-on whenever possible.

FCPS will provide students with devices as needed.  Schools and staff will be encouraged to provide hard copies of materials to take home for completion to help mitigate connection/technology issues.

Although Fauquier County Public Schools plans to start the year with the AA/BB blended learning model, we will continue to work with local health officials to evaluate the current health situation and will adjust the schedule as necessary.  As shared in the revised reopening plan, our goal will be to move to a four-day face-to-face week around the week of October 16. We realize that there is also a possibility we will have to move to a 100% virtual model.

Yes.

Yes.  FCPS is working with Virtual Virginia to be able to provide FCPS students with a virtual option.  Therefore, FCPS students remain enrolled with FCPS.

When you complete the annual online registration (OLR) for your student, you will have an opportunity to select the 100% virtual option to begin the 20-21 school year.  You must also certify that you are able to connect online as needed for the course delivery.

Both. FCPS teachers engaging students in a 100% virtual model will be meeting with students synchronously – at a set time and day on a schedule.  Students will also work and access learning resources asynchronously –within a given time frame, but not at a set time.

While FCPS will do its best to accommodate all course requests from students, we will not be able to guarantee all course offerings in the 100% virtual option.

Yes. Students who enroll in the FCPS virtual option are still full-time FCPS students and will be eligible for participation.

Yes. We will work with students and families to make this transition occur as quickly as possible.

Virtual Virginia is a Virginia Department of Education program that serves students in Virginia public schools by providing flexible options for students and their families’ diverse educational needs. As a partner of Virginia public school divisions, Virtual Virginia offers online courses for students, an outreach program offering digital content for teachers to use with their students in blended delivery, and a professional learning program for educators of all levels. https://www.virtualvirginia.org/

FCPS teachers will use Virtual Virginia resources to deliver online courses for FCPS students who need the 100% virtual option for course delivery for 20-21. We anticipate being able to meet the needs of our students who need this option for course delivery, but there may be limited course options.

No, Virtual Virginia is expanding their offering to also include K-5.  Learn more at their website. 

No, there is no additional cost for choosing the 100% virtual option. 

Reinforcing skills, content and learning through meaningful application and exposure through: practice, hands-on project-based learning, collaboration with peers, receive/share feedback with teachers and peers, check-ins by staff

• Practice/reinforce reading, writing, math skills
• Collaborate with peers
• Participate in 1:1 office hours (modes vary)
• Producing hands-on projects/presentations

Students will:

• Receive all necessary instructions, deadlines, resources/supplies needed for projects and learning
• Receive information regarding office hours and feedback opportunities

Teachers will establish one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon for office hours and/or be available by appointment (modes vary)

• Middle school students will have a traditional 7-period schedule with regular core and elective classes during face to face learning.
• Students will change from class to class with safety protocols in place, which will be school-specific.
• Students will eat in the cafeteria as long as social distancing is possible.
• Encourage the use of outdoor “classrooms” when weather permits.
• Offer opportunities for students to take a break from wearing their masks within a safe environment.
• No lockers will be provided at this time and students will be encouraged to bring/wear their backpacks.

Note – This is a SAMPLE schedule:

Homeroom-7:15 to 7:30

1st period- 7:30 to 8:31

2nd period- 8:34 to 9:32

3rd period-9:35 to 10:20

4th period-10:23 to 11:08

Lunch- 11:11 to 11:33 2nd lunch-11:59 to 12:21 (their 5th period-11:11 to 11:56)

5th period- 11:36 to 12:21

6th period-12:24 to 1:22

7th period-1:25 to 2:25

• Receive all necessary instructions, deadlines, resources / supplies needed for projects and learning
• Receive information regarding office hours and feedback opportunities
• The majority of the assignments would be project-based with the opportunity for cross-curriculum.
• Assessments may be assigned to be completed remotely.

• Students will be working on assignments focused on content and skills associated with the class
• Students may have the opportunity to access virtual resources provided by the teacher.

• Teachers will have office hours that will vary by school with opportunities to provide feedback to students and answer questions they may have.
• Teachers will collaborate with colleagues in their school as well as within the division.

• Teachers will be receiving school and division based professional development.

New material, remediation, discussion/ reflection, collaboration, presentations, relationship / culture building.  Allow for mess-ups, retakes, redos, and assess through reflection, portfolios, presentations, and projects. Getting kiddos excited about our content and giving them knowledge and skills to pursue their passions.

Arrival / Breakfast:  7:00am – 7:25am

Travel students arrive 7:45am

Block 1: 7:30am – 8:59am

Block 2: 9:04am – 10:33am

Travel students arrive/return @10:50am

Block 3/Lunch: 10:38am – 1:03pm

Lunch in cafeteria – Five (5) shifts

Block 4: 1:08am – 2:35pm

Dismissal: 2:35

• Practice/reinforce reading, writing, math skills
• Collaborate with peers
• Participate in 1:1 office hours (modes vary)
• Producing hands-on projects/presentations

Reinforcing skills, content and learning through meaningful application and exposure through: practice, hands-on project-based learning, collaboration with peers, receive/share feedback with teachers and peers, check-ins by staff.

Teachers will establish one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon for office hours and/or be available by appointment (modes vary)

• Receive all necessary instructions, deadlines, resources / supplies needed for projects and learning
• Receive information regarding office hours and feedback opportunities

Arrival / Breakfast:  7:10am – 7:25am

Blocks 1 & 2:   7:30am – 10:25

Travel students dismissed: 10:25am

Blocks 3 & 4: 10:30am – 1:35pm

Lunch in cafeteria – Two (2) shifts possible

Departure:  Bells staggered 1:35pm

REFOCUS PROGRAM 

Focus: New material, remediation, counseling 

Arrival / Snack:   1:40pm – 1:45pm

*Online Learning: 1:45 – 4:30pm

Dismissal – 4:30pm

New material, remediation, discussion/ reflection, collaboration, presentations, relationship / SEL / culture building

MVGS will begin with online instruction starting August 10th as previously scheduled.

In person orientation with safety guidelines are scheduled for next week.

The first week of school will be focused on introductory activities and making connections – both personal and technological.

Graded instruction will begin August 17th.

MVGS  is tentatively planning to start a hybrid two day face to face model in September, start date TBD.

MVGS instruction will be scheduled for the mornings to allow for student participation in other courses 3rd and 4th block on their designated days as is typical practice.

Students are being provided the flexibility to work Virtually from Home or at School.  MVGS students needing transportation should ride the school bus to school in the morning and will be provided a socially distant learning space in the library to work on MV assignments  

Additional questions should be directed to Dr. Rosanne Williamson, Director, at  rwilliamson@mvgshome.org

New Instruction/Content on Monday and Tuesday and Thursday and Friday.

Students will follow a fairly normal academic schedule while in school. 

Tuesdays and Fridays will allow for teachers to set expectations for what will occur on the remote learning days (days students are not in school).  They will also provide hard copies of materials to students as needed, and share where to access additional activities/materials/resources/instructions via Blackboard and/or Google Classroom.

Remote Learning Activities should be engaging, project-based and hands-on as much as possible.  It is recognized that practice is a critical part of independent learning. 

Teachers will have time to be plan, prepare, and communicate expectations to students and their families between August 10th and 21st.

On Wednesdays, teachers will have office hours, and will be available to support students and address parental questions.  Teachers will also use the day for curriculum planning and continued professional development.  

New Instruction/Content/Assignments are expected to be graded.

It is anticipated that students in Grades 3-12 will be given the option at the semester and for the final to either take the letter grade or choose pass/fail.  We will provide more information later once this is finalized.

FCPS1 Certified Teachers will use Virtual Virginia Content made available through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

Students will be “housed” in the Blackboard Learning Management System.

Students are not enrolled in Virtual Virginia, they remain FCPS1 Students.

Students will be engaged in both Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning Activities with Teachers.

Scheduling Framework and Parameters will be available for parental view by August 10th but a sample follows.

Sample:

8:00-8:20 AM Morning Meeting

8:20-10:20 AM Language Arts

10:20-10:30 AM Movement Break

10:30-11:30 AM Math

11:30-12:00 PM Lunch Break

12:00-12:30 PM Recess Break

12:30-1:30 PM Science/Social Stu.

1:30-2:00 PM Resource

Sample only:

7:35-8:30 AM 1st Period

8:35-9:30 AM 2nd Period

9:35-10:30 AM 3rd Period

10:35-11:30 AM 4th Period

11:30AM-12:30PM Break/Lunch

12:30-1:25 PM 5th Period

1:30-2:25 PM 6th Period

7:30-9:00 AM First Block

9:05-10:35 AM Second Block

10:35-11:35 AM Break/Lunch

11:35 AM-1:05 PM Third Block

1:05-2:35 PM Fourth Block

The traditional teacher workweek was expanded to two weeks in order to embed more professional learning opportunities for faculty and staff.  Topics consist of:

• Safety Training, Updates to Policies and Protocols
• Social-Emotional Wellness
• Trauma-Informed Culture
• Preparing for a Blended Model of Instruction or Preparing for 100% Virtual Model
• Continuing to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid (a series of opportunities)
• Using Blackboard and GSuite, including Google Classroom
• Content or Position Specific Requirements, like Performance Matters or Science Lab Safety.
• VDOE Required Restraint Training

FCPS students can continue with the 100% virtual learning even when schools go back to 4 days per week face-to-face.  There has been no decision made about when we return to a regular 5 day per week face-to-face schedule. 

During the school day, our school libraries will offer the same instructional services to students and staff as they have in the past, with some modifications to maintain cleanliness and safe distancing.  To help ensure the safety of students and staff, libraries will avoid serving as gathering spaces before/after school or during lunch shifts.  Additionally, librarians will offer book checkout and digital resource and research support for our 100% virtual learners.

Yes, unlike in the spring, all Virginia school divisions must resume new instruction with all students for the 2020-2021 school year.  Regardless of the delivery format, all students are expected to cover the content over the course of the year. 

• High school students will have a traditional 4 block schedule with all three high schools tentatively on the same schedule.
• Students from all three high schools may continue to attend classes offered at FHS and LHS. Shuttles will leave/return to each high school the same as in the past.
• Students will change from class to class with safety protocols in place, which will be school-specific.
• Students will eat in the cafeteria with social distancing safety protocols in place, which will be school-specific.
• Encourage the use of outdoor “classrooms” as weather permits.
• Offer opportunities for students to take a break from wearing their masks within a safe environment to include outdoor classes and at lunch.
• Lockers will not be assigned at this time and students will be encouraged to bring/wear their backpacks.

When Governor Northam closed schools in the spring, Fauquier County Public Schools followed guidelines issued from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Those guidelines stated no new instruction should occur during the closure since we could not ensure connectivity and access to learning by all of our students. FCPS followed these recommendations by advising teachers to focus on reviewing material already introduced to students, extending previous learning, and reviewing concepts and skills that had been taught before the closing. In addition, our division also followed the recommended no-grading policy and participation in the online continued learning was optional.

However, when schools re-open this fall, FCPS will be able to provide new instruction and have taken many measures since closure to ensure that all students can participate in learning. Our educators have engaged in professional learning to better prepare for the year ahead.

For planning purposes, we set an initial goal date of July 27.  However, we realize that families want to make the best decisions for their students and may need more time to complete the online registration process.  We ask that you complete the process as soon as possible.  

Go to www.fcps1.org/olr to get started.

Most people who have trouble with the online registration portal need help with their login.  To get help, send an email to campushelp@fcps1.org. 

• Students will be split alphabetically by their last name into Group A (attending school face-to-face Mondays and Tuesdays) and Group B (attending school face-to-face Thursdays and Fridays).  Specific information about the group assignments includes:
• Separating students by their last name creates an almost perfect divide when using A-K for Group A and L-Z for Group B.  With a priority in keeping “family units” or “households” together, the alphabetical divide gives us the most efficient model to follow.
• Adjustments were made due to bus routes becoming overloaded on either the “A” day or “B” day.
• Adjustments were also made when a grade level for a particular school became overcrowded on either “A” day or “B” day.
• Blended families with more than one last name in a household will be kept together as a unit on their assigned day.
• Single students in households may be adjusted to balance building capacities as needed.
• If your assignment differs from the alphabetical assignment, you will receive notification from the FCPS Transportation Department confirming your assigned day.
• Students will be split alphabetically by their last name into Group A (attending school face-to-face Mondays and Tuesdays) and Group B (attending school face-to-face Thursdays and Fridays). 

• Have all employees and students complete a self-health assessment prior to entering any FCPS building. All questions on the self-assessment must be answered with a No. If any question is Yes, the employee/student MUST stay home.
• Require all employees and students to stay home when they are sick
• Require sick employees to leave immediately. Parents are advised to pick up sick students within 30 minutes.

The school nurse will be the COVID-19 contact for their school

FCPS will provide every employee with 2 cloth masks and a reusable face shield. Employees who work in higher-risk areas will have other PPE available for their use.

All incentives for perfect attendance and exam exemption have been waived.

• Students and staff will receive education on hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, use of cloth face coverings, encouraging physical distancing, proper donning of PPE,  and staying home when sick.
• Signs in both English and Spanish from CDC/VDH will be placed around all schools to remind everyone of good etiquette during COVID-19.
•  Staff will be required to access the Safe School online videos on COVID-19 (4 videos), First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens prior to the start of school. This information is trackable and all employees will be required to complete.
•  Parents and students will have virtual access to videos produced by staff at George Mason University by the end of July. These will be posted on our website. The videos are being provided by VDOE/VDH.

 Nurses will have access to a PowerPoint created by George Mason University discussing COVID-19 by the end of July.

In order to keep all students/staff healthy and safe, the clinics will be operating in a different format for the school year 2020-2021 having 3 distinct areas: a waiting area, a well student area and an isolation room.

The goal of the clinics is to prevent otherwise healthy students/staff from exposure to illness.

Teachers are required to take the Safe Schools First Aid Class so they can offer assistance to students in the classroom when necessary.

Teachers will receive an emergency First Aid kit from the School Nurse. 

Students MUST have an appointment to come to the clinic. No drop-ins. 

Every clinic and isolation room will have a HEPA air purifier which filters up to .1 micron and will be effective in filtering out bacteria and virus.

Nurses will have appropriate PPE which includes gloves, mask, face shield and gowns.

Staff will be cross trained to assist in the clinic when necessary.

School Nurses will have a rolling cart to make classroom visits when necessary.

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Teachers may contact the school nurse prior to sending the student to the office if they are uncertain or need guidance about student care. Nurses will give the student an appointment time or come to the classroom. Students should be triaged before they come to the clinic.

If students or staff arrive at the clinic, potentially feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms, they will immediately be relocated to an isolation area so as not to “contaminate” the general health office space.

Parents/guardians are to take their child’s temperature prior to the student coming to school. If the temperature is 100 degrees or higher, the student MUST stay home.  Similarly, staff must check their own temperature before reporting to school.

Once FCPS is made aware of a positive case of COVID it is immediately reported to the School Health Coordinator. The School Health Coordinator then reports the case to the Fauquier Health Department who then conducts an investigation. It is very important to understand that there is no one size fits all.FCPS will then act on the advice from the Health Department.

• FCPS will provide the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Surveillance and Investigation, daily attendance data (date, school, membership, and absences) to facilitate statewide monitoring
• All incentives for perfect attendance and exam exemption have been waived.
• Students will not be dropped from roll for extended absences due to COVID-19.

• Students and staff will receive education on hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, use of cloth face coverings, encouraging physical distancing, proper donning of PPE,  and staying home when sick.
• Signs in both English and Spanish from CDC/VDH will be placed around all schools to remind everyone of good etiquette during COVID-19.
•  Staff will be required to access the Safe School online videos on COVID-19 (4 videos), First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens prior to the start of school. This information is trackable and all employees will be required to complete.
•  Parents and students will have virtual access to videos produced by staff at George Mason University by the end of July. These will be posted on our website. The videos are being provided by VDOE/VDH.
•  Nurses will have access to a PowerPoint created by George Mason University discussing COVID-19 by the end of July.

FCPS will follow the flow chart guidance below:

FCPS reminds parents and guardians of school-age children that immunizations and physicals are required for school enrollment. Even if students have selected the 100% virtual learning option, they must meet minimum state immunization requirements.

The Symptom Checker is attached here.

• PPE, to include face shields, mask, gloves, and paper gowns will be available for all staff in these classrooms. 
• Students will receive instruction face to face all four days school buildings are open.

These classrooms include:

• High school level- 3  classrooms at KRHS, 3 classrooms at LHS and 3 classrooms at FHS
• Middle school level – 2 classrooms at AMS, 1 classroom at MMS, 1 classroom at CLMS, 1 classroom at TMS
• Elementary school level- 2 classrooms at GMES, 3 classrooms at CMB (* this includes the Alternative Augmentative Device Classroom), 1 classroom at JGB, 4 classrooms at CHR, 2 classrooms at PBS

Virtual Contingency Educational Plans will be developed via the IEP process to address services should another full closure happen.

Many students in these high needs classrooms have comorbid health issues. In accordance with VDOE guidance (RRR), options will need to be considered for any parent not wanting to send their child back to the school building.

1.       PPE requirements: Face shields, masks, and paper gowns. 
2.       Each student will have their own materials to avoid contamination to other students.
3.       Any shared item will be removed from use each time it is used until sanitation procedures are followed.
4. Instructional materials will be transferable should a full closure occur. This will include core subjects as well as social/emotional curriculum.
5. Lunches will be provided in accordance with school building procedures.
6. Community-Based Instruction will be suspended until further notice.
7. Students in these classrooms access instruction in a small group setting; therefore, this method will continue and will adhere to social distancing guidelines to include the use of dividers, when needed.

1. Students will attend four days for face-to-face instruction. 
2. PPE requirements: Face shields, masks and paper gowns.
3. Dividers for maintaining social distancing for students when at tables.
4. Each student will have their own materials to avoid contamination to other students.
5. Any shared item will be removed from use each time it is used until sanitation procedures are followed.
6. Lunches will be provided in accordance with school building procedures.
7. Teachers will color code the classroom to mark areas for student use. 
8. Due to the need for social distancing, FCPS is suspending the typical peer program for the 20-21 school year.

1. Students will follow assigned schedules (AA/BB).
2. Dividers for maintaining social distancing for students when at tables. 
3. Each student will have their own materials to avoid contamination to other students.
4. Any shared item will be removed from use each time it is used until sanitation procedures are followed.
5. Classrooms will access lunch in the classroom.
6. Teachers will color code the classroom to mark areas for student use. 

A teacher’s aide will monitor a small group of students, allowing the teacher to work with a small group of students.

1. Student schedules will be consistent with division scheduling (AA/BB).
2. Face masks and hand sanitizer will be provided.
3. Job site visits will be by van or car and limited to one student with one job coach, both wearing masks.
4. Program work shirts laundered after each use.
5. FCPS classroom configurations and cleaning procedures will be followed.

• All special education meetings will continue to be held virtually
• 504 accommodations will be reviewed and remain in effect. Any modifications required will be made.

This document shares resources and tips: Helping Individuals with Disabilities Wear Face Masks

• This service will be offered at no cost to employees since they will be working full time and their children will only be in school two days in the current reopening plan.
• Each school will work with the Office of Student Services to develop a strategy for the provision of child care which will be provided by FCPS staff or Fauquier Community Child Care. We are currently analyzing the data from principals to determine the needs at each school.
• Staff at each school who need child care have responded to principals and this information is being reviewed by the Office of Students Services in order to develop a specific plan for each school.
• Activities during child care will include completion of school assignments and recreational opportunities.
• To the extent possible, the goal is to offer child care at the school work locations of parents so that transportation will not be an issue.
• Students receiving child care will be able to bring breakfast/lunch or purchase food through the school lunch program. 
• Face coverings will be required for children receiving child care services.
• Children in child care will not interact with students who are attending school in order to minimize the potential for the spread of COVID-19.
• Student Services will work with building principals to identify the location for child care in each building including available classrooms as well as other areas in the building that will not affect daily school operations.
• Children participating in child care will arrive and depart at the same time as the school workday schedule. 
• Parents will sign their children in and out of child care upon arrival and departure. When FCCC is running child care at any of the schools, parents will need to complete an enrollment packet.

Middle school sports will be delayed until at least December 14 to follow the VHSL schedule. 

• Additional surface /high contact disinfectant cleaning will be conducted during and after the school day.
• Disinfecting procedures will be in place specific to COVID-19. The custodial staff will be trained in the requirements prior to the start of the first day of school. It’s important to note, it will take cooperation from all staff in the building to keep our buildings clean and safe during this time, not just custodians.
• Additional disinfectant wipes will be provided for each classroom for teachers to help give additional disinfection of surfaces during the school day.
• Additional custodial support services will be requested to the School Board during the reopening. This would allow for an increased labor force to focus on additional disinfecting during and after school days.  We are exploring additional 20-40 increased custodial support; placement would be considered by division-wide increase, then by student populations and school square footage.

• Drivers and aides will routinely clean and disinfect vehicles prior to and after transporting students as well as following each school delivery.  This will include wiping down frequently touched surfaces such as seats, seatbacks, handrails, any seat belts in use and the driver’s compartment.
• Drivers and aides will be provided gloves, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, trash bags and face masks, and face shields. These items meet all standard guidance provided by the CDC.

Per VDOE guidelines, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be an accelerant in a fire and large dispensing stations do not meet FMVSS crash and flammability standards.  Therefore, if alcohol-based hand sanitizers are used, it must be dispensed in a clear plastic container that holds 12 ounces or less. 

To increase ventilation, when weather permits, at least one window in the front and one window in the back will remain open.

One student per seat reduces capacity to 22-26 student passengers per bus.  Special education buses will also have reduced capacity depending on the size of the bus and the accommodations required by the student, i.e. wheelchair.

Students will have assigned seats on our buses to ensure student safety throughout the ride. Students will stagger their seating by one student sitting near the window and the next student sitting near the aisle.   Students who live in the same household may sit together in a single seat.

The red dots on the bus diagram below indicate where students will be seated.

 Students will board the bus back-to-front and dismiss front-to-back. This practice will minimize the need for students to pass one another on the bus.

Prior to returning to work, all transportation staff will be required to undergo training related to our new policies and preventative protocols. Training is based on CDC recommendations and will be documented. 

Training will include:

• Proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques
• Proper use and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Safe product usage guidelines (chemical safety)
• Proper methods to empty and dispose of trash
• Review new routes and what changes to expect
• Drivers and aides are required to run their routes before school starts – no exception.

Yes. Procedures will be developed and shared with all drivers and aides. 

This procedure will address the following:

• Identifying a potentially ill student.
• Developing a potential isolation zone for the school bus when it arrives on campus.
• Isolation procedures for all students on the school bus.  Such procedures should correspond to procedures developed for classrooms.
• Implementing a contact tracing system to identify which students were on the bus on the day in question.
• Additional bus cleaning to include removing bus from service and using a disinfectant spray.

Transportation will communicate the expectations of students and families to promote safe transportation.

• Transportation will work closely with the family of any child who puts others at risk.
• Students will only ride the bus to which they are assigned.  Students are not permitted to ride home with friends or be dropped off at an alternate location.  This will result in overcrowded buses.
• If you need an alternate childcare address, you will enter this information into the OLR (Online Registration). The information is processed by Transportation. 
• Parents will be asked to assist in maintaining social distancing at the bus stops.
• Parents are asked to provide face masks for their children before they enter the bus.  If there are health concerns, they are to contact Transportation so we may work together to find the best solution for their student. 
• Transportation will work closely with families to identify their transportation needs and intentions by semester.

In addition to all existing COVID-19 related protocols, transportation will collaborate with the Department of Special Education to ensure that we meet the needs of students with disabilities and the expectations of their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• Transportation will continue to provide specialized transportation for students included in the McKinney Vento Act (Homeless).  We are expecting a significant rise in the number of students in this category.
• Staff transporting special education students will receive appropriate PPE equipment related to the services required for each child. 
• Special Education drivers and aides will be wearing gloves, face masks or face shields and gowns if required.  The vehicles will be wiped down with disinfectant wipes before and after every run.  Students are not used to seeing their drivers and aides wearing all this equipment.  This can be a lot to take in. We will make every attempt to ease the students into this new normal.
• Special Education students may be identified to attend school 4 days per week rather than 2 days. All others will follow the School Board adopted plan.

Transportation will create and communicate plans to manage an increase in the number of families who choose to drop off and pick up their children. ***Conditions will vary depending on circumstances specific to the school community.

• Bell schedules may be staggered to ensure safe conditions and an efficient process for drop-off and pick-up.
• Transportation will communicate schedules and processes to families and school administrators.
• There will be additional “Double Runs.”  Buses may be dropping off 1st load and return to a nearby neighborhood to pick up the second group of students. We are estimating 40-50 double runs daily resulting in extra hours, pay and fuel – some of this will be offset by closing for 20% of the week. A better picture will be known closer to final enrollment. 
• As unforeseen issues arise, there will likely be delays – we thank the School Board, families, and staff in advance for your kind understanding and cooperation with the transportation staff – there is no schedule that will arise above the safety of our students.

Currently Transportation Fleet consists of:

• 162 buses in the fleet (16 spares)
• 12 Dodge Caravans (1 spare and 6 assigned to high schools)
• 14 cars 

Purchased for the new school year:

• Four 77 passenger gasoline buses (delivered)
• 4 Sped Buses (Late August delivery – the plant was closed due to COVID-19 which slowed production)

Additional emergency purchases (approved by Finance Committee) to enhance fleet due to social distancing on school buses and county cars during COVID-19 pandemic:

• 9 Used 77 passenger buses from Prince William County
• 6 additional Dodge Caravans to support Special Needs transportation