FAQ as 3/20/20
RELATED TO MAKE UP DAYS, MISSED WORK
From DOE : All public and private K-12 and career and technical center campuses are closed through April 15, 2020. Schools are encouraged to operate virtually or through other non-classroom-based means to the greatest extent possible to implement distance learning. School districts should be prepared to extend their educational calendars through June 30, 2020, to the extent feasible and necessary.
- Will my child still pass/graduate/complete this year? According to the DOE, all deadlines/requirements etc. that can possibly be waived/flexed/extended/removed will be adjusted accordingly to hold students as harmless as possible. Exactly what this looks like, we don’t yet know but we’re in constant contact with the DOE so as soon as they know, we will know and we will let you know.
- Will we have to extend the calendar? We don’t know the answer to that question right now, as you can see above the DOE references that possibility.
- What about testing? We know the FSA/EOC process has been suspended for the rest of the year. We know the DOE is working with AICE, IB, AP etc. regarding tests that students take for those programs.
RELATED TO LEARNING AT HOME
The DOE has instructed us to deploy our distance learning programs beginning 3/30/20. Your child’s teachers will be coordinating this with you.
RELATED TO TESTING FROM DOE:
Assessments, Accountability and Promotion All remaining assessments for school readiness, voluntary prekindergarten and K-12 assessments are cancelled for the 2019-2020 school year. Requirements for graduation and promotion, and final course grades will be evaluated as though those assessments which were cancelled did not exist. K-12 school grades will not be calculated for 2019-2020 and schools in turnaround may continue their current status for 2020-2021 to avoid disruption to school leadership and operations. Eligibility for Florida Bright Futures scholarships shall be based on available data and results. Tests that were not available to be taken shall not be counted.
- What about testing? We know the FSA/EOC process has been suspended for the rest of the year. We know the DOE is working with AICE, IB, AP etc. regarding tests that students take for those programs.
RELATED TO EVENTS AND TRIPS
- What about prom/graduation/senior trip? We know that none of that will happen before 4/15/20. We have not been instructed to cancel graduation etc. yet. Schools will be in touch soon regarding refunds, rescheduled dates etc.
RELATED TO ESE STUDENTS FROM DOE:
To support students with identified IEP-related services who may have a disruption in services, school districts are given flexibility for the remainder of the school year to provide alternative services or delay services until later in the summer months, in coordination with a student’s parents and IEP team.
- What about IEP services for my special needs child? The Governor announced increased flexibility in the delivery of those services. Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Carboni will be in contact with families in regards to their IEP’s.
RELATED TO MEALS
Please see our separate, more detailed meal service posts, emails, and notes. Meals are available starting March 23rd at sites throughout the district.
RELATED TO SENIORS
- What about transcripts, college applications etc.? Guidance staff will be in touch after March 30th about these items and plans to get them completed.
- What about graduation? We have no plans currently to cancel graduation pending further guidance from FDOE.
RELATED TO “OTHER”
- What about VPK? While schools are closed, there cannot be a VPK on our campus. However, VPK teachers will be working on a distance learning plan similar to their K-12 colleagues.
- My child’s medication/band instrument/folders are at school, how can we get them? Beginning Monday, March 30th, there will be limited hours available for personal items to be picked up. Since we’re not permitted to have gatherings of more than 10 people, hours to pick up items will be restricted and carefully controlled. You’ll hear from Belmont early next week and priority will be given to those who need to pick up medication first.