~ PVN staff report
Page County Public Schools has checked with state officials to ensure that parents and students coming to schools next week to pickup materials would not violate the Stay At Home order.
“The Governor’s new Executive Order 55 [Stay At Home] allows exceptions for the operation of government agencies, and … (related to school systems specifically) … individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of … seeking government services, traveling for child care, and traveling to and from an educational institution,” stated a March 31 letter from Dr. Wendy Gonzales, superintendent of Page County Schools.
“Thus, we will be able to continue to provide meals, as well as review instructional packets,” the letter continues.
The review materials previously scheduled to go out this week, will be distributed next — for those who want them.
“Instructional packets that were scheduled to be picked up … or accessed online are now optional. This work will not be collected or graded,” stated a letter from assistant superintendent Eric Benson, who also serves as director of instruction for PCPS.
“Parents wishing to help their child stay in a routine and complete instructional activities are encouraged to take advantage of these materials,” Benson states in the letter.
Parents and students may pickup review materials and personal items from their school 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, April 6-9, based on the following schedule:
- Monday, April 6 — Students with last names A-H
- Tuesday, April 7 — Students with last names I-Q
- Wednesday, April 8 — Students with last names R-Z
- Thursday, April 9 — (If you are able to attend your assigned day)
“Students are asked to return any instructional materials (i.e., textbooks, library books, etc.) during these dates and times,” Benson’s letter states. “Students wishing to retrieve personal medication should contact the school to schedule a specific time to do so. Refunds for school related activities will begin to be mailed the week of April 6, 2020.”
While classrooms will remain empty for at least four months or more, school officials hope that parents will continue to foster a learning environment at home. The school system has numerous tools for parents to utilize on their website, including such items as:
- Free Meals for PCPS Students
- Talking To Kids About COVID-19
- Review Materials by School for Students with Online Access
- Distance Learning and Making Good Decisions Resources-PACA
- Comcast Internet Access for Qualified Families
- Online Learning Resources
“Though school buildings are closed, our school division is not, as there is still work to do,” states a letter from Dr. Gonzales.
The local school system urges students and parents to email questions to: questions@pagecounty.k12.va.us
The email service is being utilized because “our phones are not manned continuously during this pandemic,” according to Dr. Gonzales. “This email address will be monitored regularly and will be forwarded to the most appropriate person to provide you the answer.”
“Plans and decisions are changing daily. As we know more, we will continue to communicate those plans to you regarding various topics such as registration, scheduling, final grades, graduation, refunds, summer school, etc. via our website and social media platforms,” the superintendent’s letter continues.
“Thank you for being patient as we work with our federal, state and local agencies in determining the best next steps for PCPS and our students, staff and families as we navigate these ever-changing conditions, regulations and advisements.”
For a full version of Dr. Gonzales’ letter, and other COVID-19 notices from Page County Public Schools, go HERE.
https://www.pagecounty.k12.va.us/o/pcps/page/pcps-covid-19-info
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