Later this month, parents of students in Alexandria City Public Schools will be asked to make a difficult decision: Do they want their children to return to school in-person part time or continue virtual education this fall?
For now, as part of the preparation and planning process as the new school year inches closer, Alexandria City Public Schools officials are asking parents for their opinions on how (and whether) to reopen school buildings this fall.
ACPS and other schools districts across the country are trying to determine whether it is safe for students and teachers to return to school buildings. Complicating factors include transportation, crowded classrooms, whether students will wear masks and much more.
ACPS closed schools on March 13 due to concerns about the novel coronavirus and the illness it causes, COVID-19.
"As ACPS works to reopen schools, it is critical that we continue to seek feedback from our community — staff, students, families, and community partners — so that we can collectively put forth our very best ideas and solutions for what is achievable," according to a letter from ACPS officials.
The survey is available here and answers are due by Sunday, July 12: https://bit.ly/SurveyFamilies
Questions include what factors are most important to parents in deciding between a hybrid model or virtual learning — health, safety, access to food, mental health, technology, schedules, engagement in learning and other items are among the choices. Questions also cover how comfortable and supportive parents are of having their children wear masks, have routine temperature checks, using hand sanitizer and eating lunch in classrooms instead of in the cafeteria.
"The anonymous information that you provide will be used to determine the current likelihood of students and staff returning in the fall. These estimates, along with all federal, state, and local guidelines, will assist in further developing our detailed reopening plans," ACPS officials wrote.
Two Likely Scenarios
In Alexandria, the two most likely scenarios are remaining fully virtual (with adjustments based on feedback from this spring) or a hybrid model where students are in-person a few days per week and virtual other days.
"We are aware that the situation we are facing is unprecedented, constantly changing, and requires a degree of flexibility from all of us. You will be asked to make a decision about your commitment to return to school in late July. By that time you will have a clear idea of our anticipated reopening plans for the fall to assist you in your decision," ACPS officials wrote.
It is extremely unlikely that students will return to school in-person five days per week. Physical distancing requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require spacing and other safety measures that will be very difficult to implement in Alexandria's crowded schools.
In Fairfax County, officials have asked parents and teachers to voice their preference for virtual school or attending school in-person two days per week (for students, full-time for teachers). The three teachers' unions in Fairfax County are encouraging teachers to choose virtual education, concerned that in-person education risks the health and safety of students, teachers and the larger community. (Read more here.)
