IOW Schools outlines continuity of learning

Published 1:42 pm Monday, March 16, 2020

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WINDSOR

Just because Virginia schools K-12 are closed for the next two weeks minimum, doesn’t mean that learning has halted.

In a letter to parents and students, Isle of Wight County School Division Spokeswoman Lynn Briggs states:

“We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work through the details and nuances of this extended closure. We have outlined information regarding instructional services and continuity of learning for our students. It is our goal to ensure all students remain engaged in relevant learning throughout the closure.”

Continuity of Learning

We aim to keep our students engaged and learning over the next two weeks. During this school closure, we ask that parents and guardians encourage students to utilize the materials and resources their teachers have provided.

Students in grades Pk-8 will receive instructional packets, aimed at engaging students in learning for a minimum of 60 minutes, per SOL core content area, each day. Students in grades 9-12 will receive online instruction via Google Classroom. Work expectations should not exceed 2 hours per day for elementary students or 3 hours per day for middle and high school students.

Instructional packets will be available through self-service pick up in bins, labeled by grade level and subject, at the front door of each elementary and middle school. K-8 learning packets will be made available for parent pick-up beginning on Tuesday, March 17, from 7 to 10 a.m., at each school. They will also be available from 7 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. High school teachers will provide paper copies of the instruction materials for any student who does not have consistent, reliable access to the internet.

Teachers at all levels will be available by email to answer questions parents/students may have about the assigned work throughout the closure. Parents may also convey questions by calling the school’s main telephone number and leaving a message. Building principals will ensure voice messages are forwarded to the appropriate staff. Please contact your building principal if you have any concern or issue that needs attention.

Special Education, Section 504 and Homebound Services

Students served in early childhood special education classrooms and those instructed in adapted curriculum will receive learning materials aligned to their needs. Materials may be mailed home. If you have any questions, please contact your student’s case manager.

Special education students currently receiving home-based services through individualized education programs will receive materials to engage in learning at home during school closure. Home-based services will resume when schools reopen.

General education students receiving homebound or home-based services will not be able to receive in-home support from IWCS staff during this closure. These students will receive learning activities through their assigned school.

All previously scheduled special education and 504 Plan meetings will be held virtually or by phone conference as employees and families are not to come into school buildings. Case managers will reach out to parents to arrange mutually agreeable meeting times and methods of participation.

Student Expectations

Students are encouraged to engage in the learning opportunities provided by their teachers each week. These opportunities can be completed at any time during the school closure.

Students should take advantage of opportunities to reach out to their teachers via Google classroom, email or by calling the school’s main number and leaving a voicemail message. Please do not hesitate to contact your teacher if you need any support with the material or assignments.

• High School students will need their IWCS laptop (or another device) with internet access, login information, and Google Classroom information.

• School counselors are available for students and will respond to any messages within 24 hours within the work week. Please do not hesitate to contact your school counselor by email or by calling the school’s main number and leaving a voicemail message.