Families Have 2 Choices For Return To Fairfax County Schools

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — On Tuesday, the Fairfax County School Board voted to give families two options for their students' return to school: full-time online instruction and blended instruction.

"Our first preference, of course, remains 100 percent in-person learning," said Superintendent Scott Brabrand in a letter to families. "However, based on current health data, that seems unlikely by Tuesday, August 25, the first day of the 2020-21 school year."

The online instruction would fully serve a student remotely for the school year based on family request. This includes four days of direct synchronous instruction per week and one day of asynchronous instruction per week.

The blended instruction choice includes at least two full days of in-person instruction per week. The remainder of the week would include independent study and virtual work. Fairfax County Public Schools anticipates a rotating schedule of students attending in-person instruction.

Schools must follow state and CDC guidance, including six feet of spacing between individuals in classrooms, buses and shared spaces. Caregivers will also complete a daily health screening form to report the student does not have coronavirus symptoms and has not been exposed to anyone who has symptoms.

Both options will include new instructional content and grading. One day a week will be set aside for teacher planning and extra support for some students in both options. FCPS also plans to offer more in-person or synchronous instruction for special education students and English language learners under the return to school plan.

Parents will receive an enrollment letter and should respond by Friday, July 10. FCPS will be planning virtual and in-person class schedules after receiving answers from families.

Teachers are also being surveyed for their preferences. The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers previously surveyed 575 of its members, finding 74 percent are not comfortable returning to school in person.

See more information on FCPS reopening planning at https://www.fcps.edu/returntoschool.