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15 April, 2020 Dear Students and Families, Thank you for partnering with teachers and administrators to provide continuing educational opportunities for students. A COVID-19 FAQ document has been created to address questions about how the school year will conclude. The live FAQ document is linked above and will be periodically updated. COVID-19 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) *updated as of April 14 Who may I contact if I have any questions at this time?
How long is the district closed? In compliance with Gov. Michael Dunleavy’s Public Health Mandate #13 issued on 4/9/2020, VCS has extended the cancellation of in-person classes through Friday, May 21. Will we have to make up the days that the district was closed? The Alaska Department of Education has issued guidance that districts will be granted instructional minutes waivers so long as the district can provide evidence of instruction and support to students. Will food services still be provided to students? Due to recent Federal waivers, the Grab and Go meal program is now available to all children residing in Valdez, ages 3 to 18. They are not required to be a student of VCS. The next Grab and Go day will be April 23 and will proceed every Thursday until May 21. Each box provided will contain breakfast and lunch for seven (7) days. Students/families can pick up the food at Gilson Middle School from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. or request delivery by contacting acockerham@valdezcityschools. When can I clear out my child’s locker or retrieve other personal items? We understand that many students have left personal belongings at schools and programs. We are currently communicating arrangements for families to retrieve personal belongings. When will Laptops/iPads/School Materials (music instruments, team uniforms) be returned? Turn-in for all student items will begin May 14-15. Schools will be in contact with parents regarding scheduling and procedures of collection. What about graduation ceremonies? Will they be canceled or postponed? Unfortunately, the Public Health Mandate closing schools through the end of the school year also includes the postponement of in-person graduation ceremonies as well. We will do everything we can to reschedule a recognition when health officials allow gatherings again to honor the wonderful Class of 2020. In the meantime, we have tentatively planned commencement as a parade via cars, culminating in an activity at one of the school parking lots with slideshows and speeches. The Senior class is currently planning to buy senior banners with senior pictures to be placed on the lamp posts down Egan Drive. Graduation is still planned for May 20, 2020. What about other grade-level promotion ceremonies?
How will grades be handled for the 3rd and 4th quarters and the semester? What about GPAs? Report cards? Transcripts? Athletic eligibility for the Fall? Student grading is explained in the linked Valdez City Schools – Grades During COVID-19 document. Grades will allow GPAs to remain neutral as a result of the shutdown. For athletic eligibility, a student would need to receive a PASS or passing grade in the majority of their courses for Fall sport participation. Any student who has failed a class in the 4th quarter and wants to participate in a fall sport will need to meet with Mr. Wegner and Mr. Berkeley. Will there be high school finals?
What is the status of the May 5th Grade Seward Trip? The 5th Grade Seward trip will be postponed until the 2020-2021 school year. Students who are 5th Grade this year will be able to participate as next year’s 6th Graders. What are continuing SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) Support Options for students and families? We know this is a stressful time for students, families, and educators. Here is a link to the COVID_MH document that contains a list of resources compiled you can use to help young people learn the social-emotional skills they need to get through these challenging events. What are you doing for students with disabilities ?
When can we enroll our K-12 students for the 2020-2021?
Will there be summer school? Once the stay at home order is lifted, the District is exploring providing summer school services for enrichment face to face and/or through online learning. Additionally, to help prepare students for the upcoming academic year, we are going to have a Kickstart Academy July 27-August 7, 2020. This will be one way for all ability level students to learn new skills, retain what they learned during the school year, and get a kick start for the upcoming school year. Student participation will be voluntary. More details will be available later on. When can students plan their schedules for Fall 2020? Both middle and high school students’ class schedules will be available on August 1, 2020. Will the school year begin as scheduled for the fall of 2020 or due to this crisis will it be altered? Guidance for the opening of school will be contingent upon the Public Health Mandates provided by the Governor. We are hopeful that we will start the 2020-21 school year on time, August 18. Thank you, Shawn Arnold Superintendent Valdez City Schools
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