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December 2020: Reflection and Looking Ahead
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Dear RCPS Faculty and Staff:
In the midst of what can seem to be a steady stream of discouraging and troubling news, I want to take a moment to thank you for your hard work and resilience in working through the past few months. These have been difficult times and you have gone to extraordinary links to support your students under extra-ordinary circumstances. Students have overall done an incredible job working together with you and moving forward with their learning. It is a joy to see them learning and interacting in classes as well as participating online. This is due to your encouragement and the great example of a positive mindset you set for them, as well as the support of so many families. Thank you!
We remain hopeful for brighter days ahead. With COVID-19 vaccinations beginning in our area and heightened awareness of the importance of wearing facemasks in public, there is reason to be optimistic that community spread will begin to decline in the new year and we can continue slowly and safely working toward more daily in-person student attendance.
- Students who are currently 100% online will have the option of changing to the in-person schedule for their grade level for the third nine weeks. Families have been asked to contact their child’s principal no later than January 15 to make that request.
- Additionally, plans are being developed to have more vulnerable students in grades 4-12 attend four days per week beginning in late January.
- Details and further decisions about adding more in-person attendance will be announced in January, based on current conditions.
We are committed to continue working with our public health department and following their guidance in making these decisions. Their current guidance is that we are safe to continue with in-person learning as long as we continue using our current safety measures, including physical distancing, mask wearing, and quarantining with symptoms or exposures. During the holidays, if you travel in crowded conditions such as by air, train, or bus, the health department also recommends self-quarantining after your return. If a staff member becomes symptomatic or tests positive during the holidays, please call our nurse hotline for instructions regarding quarantining and returning to school (540-562-3793). Our goal remains to do what is necessary to keep our schools operating and open for as much in-person learning as possible and avoid closures due to outbreaks.
Thank you again for all of your efforts and hard work. We wish you a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable Winter Break and celebration of the holidays.
We look forward to the hope and possibilities of the new year!
Ken
Ken Nicely, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Need an end-of-year tax deduction?If you or someone you know is interested in an end-of-year tax deduction or just wants to help others out of a spirit of holiday giving, please consider giving to the charity of your choice.
The two non-profits officially endorsed by RCPS are: Roanoke County Schools Education Foundation https://www.rcps.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=4148 United Way of Roanoke Valley
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