Frequently Asked Questions

We thank you for your questions and will work hard to post answers as quickly as possible. FAQs will continue to be added often.

On August 10, the Fauquier County School Board voted to move our model of instruction to a 100% virtual model for all students through December. 

Will all courses be offered?

Yes, FCPS is able to offer the full course selection to our students.

Why are all courses being offered, why not just focus on core subject? (8/16)

Elective courses in Virginia are important to the overall goals and mission for public education in Virginia and for the realization of the Profile of a Virginia Graduate. Elective courses can have an important role in promoting and maintaining student mental and physical wellness, as well as allowing students to continue preparing for workplace, college, and career goals.

Will courses be synchronous or asynchronous?

Both. FCPS teachers will engage 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.

How will Mountain Vista Governor's School operate?

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

How will instruction be different this fall compared to how it was in the spring? (8/3)

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.

Why are only certain days/times scheduled for synchronous learning? (8/24)

There are benefits to both synchronous and asynchronous learning. FCPS teachers will design and deliver instruction that skillfully and intentionally combines both synchronous and asynchronous learning approaches.  View this video for more information. 

What is synchronous learning? (8/24)

Synchronous teaching and learning ccurs when the student and teacher are in the same place at the same time. In synchronous learning environments, students can access content, resources, and activities at a specific time and location. Put simply, synchronous learning is “Live” learning and asynchronous learning is “On-demand” learning. 

Examples of Synchronous learning experiences include:

  • Video Conferencing (using platforms such as Google Meet and Blackboard Collaborate)
  • Collaborative Breakout sessions
  • Live, teacher-led Direct instruction 
  • Interactive discussions
  • Shared collaborative documents and
  • Office hours
What is asynchronous learning? (8/24)

Asynchronous teaching and learning occur at different times and when the student and teacher are in different places.  In an asynchronous learning environment, Students can access content, resources, and activities at any time, and from anywhere.

Put simply, asynchronous learning is “On-demand” learning.

Examples of Asynchronous learning experiences include:

  • Watching a pre-recorded video lesson or presentation, pausing as needed, followed by application, creation, practice, reflection, etc. 
  • Contributing to a discussion board 
  • Building a project or practicing a skill
  • Creating multimedia products such as a video or presentation
  • Creating physical products
  • Writing a response or paper
  • Reading a book or passage
  • Completing a paper/pencil activity
  • Reflecting on feedback
  • And for our younger learners – Accessing Waterford/Imagine Learning or Lexia –  to build math, reading, and/or  language arts skills 
What can students expect the first week of school? (8/24)

The first week of school (August 24 – 28) will serve as an orientation week. During this week, families can expect teachers and schools to:

  • Establish instructional routines and expectations
  • Check and assess student connectivity
  • Practice using virtual learning platforms
  • Assess student needs (supplies, meals, etc.)
What are some of the benefits of synchronous learning? (8/24)

There are many benefits of synchronous learning, including the following and more:

  • Students can ask questions in real-time
  • Students have access to the teacher and their peers while completing assignments and tasks
  • Students can receive immediate feedback
  • The student’s experience is interactive and dynamic
What are some of the benefits of asynchronous learning? (8/24)

There are many benefits of asynchronous learning, including the following and more:

  • Students have time to review or go slower for more difficult concepts
  • Students have an opportunity to apply, create, practice
  • Students have more time to reflect on what they learned and process their new learning.
  • Some students may feel more comfortable interacting with their teacher or peers when they have time to think and compose a response.
Will synchronous and/or asynchronous lessons be recorded? (9/20)
  • Teachers may record sessions of themselves, providing a learning experience to save and share with their students.

  • Recordings will be deleted by teachers at the end of the term.

  • The parent/guardian of the student will be informed that teachers will be recording the online learning session, so it is available for students to review. If the parent/guardian does not wish their child to be recorded, the camera on the student device may be turned off.

Technology

1. When will devices be distributed? (8/16)

Device and wifi hotspot distribution is scheduled for August 19 – 21 at your child’s school. Please watch for school correspondence for specific dates and times.

2. How many devices will each household receive? (8/16)

Families can expect to receive one Chromebook per household. 

3. What if our family needs an additional device beyond what is provided through the device distribution? (8/16)

This limit is temporary until more devices become available. We are waiting for shipments of Chromebooks to be delivered.  In the meantime, we will be scheduling a second wave of device distribution within two weeks of the first distribution.  Instead of Chromebooks, the second distribution will be Windows devices that would have been used in the schools for the AA/BB blended model.  We are adding a filter system to these devices to prepare them for safe, off-network use by students.

4. How will you help students access learning materials if, despite the solutions offered, they still don't have adequate internet connectivity? (8/16)

We are exploring solutions such as loading flash drives with instructional materials that would be delivered by bus or mailed to students.

5. What are the options for internet access? (9/1)

We realize that many of our families do not have adequate Internet service. We created this guide to compile an up-to-date list of resources for families seeking connectivity options. The guide is a living document and will be updated as new information becomes available.

 

Internet Cafés

 

Several schools are working together to provide an additional option for internet access for students with no internet, especially during synchronous (“live”) learning. We expect that these spaces will be available after Labor Day. At this time, access is by-invitation-only due to limited space.

Professional Learning

1. How many hours of professional learning have teachers logged?

 

Our teachers have poured their hearts and souls to be ready for our students in the challenging year ahead by completing 19,653 hours of professional learning in over 450 events from April to July.  As always, our dedicated educators go above and beyond for our students, and this year will not be different in that aspect. 

2. What is the focus of the professional development?

Safety and Well-being of our students remain paramount, so even in a virtual model, our faculty and staff are focused on building, maintaining, and deepening relationships with students and their families as our continued partners in student learning.  Our professional learning for our educators this summer has included social-emotional resources, trauma-informed practices, and we continue our commitment as a division to Youth Mental Health First Aid which we are now offering online.

All teachers are all completing training with the Outreach program of Virtual Virginia which will better equip our teachers to conduct instruction in a virtual model. This is a valuable resource to us not only for content but also for the guidance it provides to best practices for online learning so we can meet the instructional needs of all students.

Instructional Calendar

Where can I find the 2020-2021 school calendar? (9/1)
How will the September 7 Labor Day holiday affect the instructional schedule for that week? (9/1)

We will follow Monday’s schedule on Tuesday (9/8) and Tuesday’s schedule on Wednesday (9/9).

1. What are the mitigation strategies for students and staff?

All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings while at school.  Students will also be required to wear a face covering while riding the bus.  FCPS staff will address any concerns about meeting this requirement on a case by case basis.

All students and staff will maintain social distancing to the extent possible.  The goal is to maintain a minimum of six feet of social distance, but FCPS cannot provide any assurances that this is possible at all times.

2. What will FCPS do to keep sick students and staff at home?
  • 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.
3. Who will be the designated COVID-19 contact for a school?

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

 

4. What PPE will be supplied to FCPS staff?

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.

5. What will the orientation and training for staff, students and parents look like?
  • 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.

6. What will the provision of health look like?

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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7. What if a student or staff member arrives at the clinic potentially feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms?

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.

8. What will happen if FCPS is made aware of a positive case of COVID-19?

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.

9. What will the orientation and training for staff, students and parents look like?
  • 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.
10. What is the protocol for handling suspected, presumptive, or confirmed cases of COVID-19?

FCPS will follow the flow chart guidance below:

11. Are immunizations and physicals required for school enrollment even if students select the 100% virtual option? (8/3)

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.

12. Where can I find the health assessment that staff will use to check their symptoms prior to coming to school? (updated 10/12)

The symptom checkers can be found at the link below.  They will also be added to the FCPS app for convenience. 

Student Symptom Checker 6Oct2020
Employee Symptom Checker 6Oct2020

Child Care (FCPS Employees)

1. What is the age range of children who will be eligible for FCPS-provided child care?

Child care will be offered to FCPS staff for their children ages 4 to 11 who attend Fauquier County Public Schools.

2. How will FCPS provide childcare for staff?
  • 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.

Sports

1. What will happen to the high school sports seasons? (7/30)

The VHSL Executive Committee met in special session on July 27 and voted (34-1-0) to move forward with Model 3 in its re-opening of sports and activities for the 2020-21 school year. Model 3 delays all VHSL sports and activities until December 14 and adopts the Condensed Interscholastic Plan.  This model leaves all sports in the season where they are currently aligned.

Model 3 – Condensed Interscholastic Plan.

  • Season 1 (Winter) December 14 – February 20 (First Contest Date – December 28)
    • basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swim/dive, wrestling
  • Season 2 (Fall) February 15 – May 1 (First Contest Date – March 1)
    • cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, volleyball
  • Season 3 (Spring) April 12 – June 26 (First Contest Date – April 26)
    • baseball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field
2. What will happen with middle school sports? (7/30)

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

3. Are students who enroll in courses outside of FCPS still eligible to participate in VHSL sports and activities? (8/16)

They must remain enrolled full-time in FCPS to be eligible.

School Nutrition

What are the meal service options for the fall? (9/20)

Please view this flyer for the most up-to-date information regarding meal service options. 

How much will the meals cost? (9/20)

We are pleased to announce that beginning September 1st, all meals are FREE for any student between the ages of 2 and 18.  One breakfast and one lunch per student per day.

What are the details for picking up hot meals? (9/20)

Monday – Friday

11 am to 12 noon

Hot meals can be picked up at any of these locations, call ahead orders needed by 9:30 a.m.

Brumfield Elementary

540-422-7536

Auburn Middle

540-422-7417

Coleman Elementary

540-422-7556

Marshall Middle

540-422-7457

Grace Miller Elementary

540-422-7596

Warrenton Middle

540-422-7496

MM Pierce Elementary

540-422-7637

Fauquier High 

540-422-7313

Ritchie Elementary

540-422-7656

Kettle Run High 

540-422-7342

PB Smith Elementary

540-422-7677

Mary Walter Elementary

540-422-7718

Budget & Finance

1. Will FCPS be collecting consumable fees this year? (7/31)

No.

How will FCPS publicly report confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the school division? (9/20)

Public Reporting:

Due to HIPAA, FCPS limits public information to:

  • The number of confirmed positive cases by date
  • The location of the confirmed positive cases
  • Restating the protocols that were followed


Beginning the week of September 21, FCPS will publish a COVID dashboard on its reopening website to provide the public with accurate, up-to-date data. The dashboard will identify the number of confirmed positive cases in FCPS by building and will include a list of the protocols followed.