THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools, along with every other school district in the state, was instructed to develop three plans in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year. Plan A, with minimal social distancing, Plan B, with moderate social distancing and Plan C, as complete remote learning. Our district plans were developed with input from parents and staff through online surveys and on-going discussions with district leaders and principals at each of our schools.
Having already established Plan A and Plan C, Vance County Schools has worked diligently on developing a framework for Plan B in preparation for the governor’s announcement regarding schools. The Vance County Board of Education reviewed each of the plans, along with the survey data from both staff and our families, approving the district moving forward with the framework planning.
Plan A permits all students to return to the building, but large group settings would be avoided. Social distancing and face coverings are still required.
Plan B is the blended instructional model, consisting of two groups. Group 1 includes students in grades K-3 and 9-12, meeting for face-to-face instruction every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with remote instruction on Thursday and Friday. Group 2 includes students in grades 4-8 who will have remote instruction on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with face-to-face instruction on Thursday and Friday. Classrooms would have fewer students in each room and face coverings are required.
Plan C has all students engaging in remote instruction, five days a week.
Our district is committed to ensuring that all students receive instruction Monday through Friday, facilities are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, wellness checks take place daily, face coverings are worn and students receive meals. We are committed to meeting the needs of our students, regardless of the plan our district pursues.
One school that will not need to await the state’s decision is Vance Virtual Village Academy (V3), our newest Innovative School in Vance County. V3 is a K-12 virtual school, allowing students to complete their education online with a personalized plan developed for each. Innovative instruction, enrichment and athletic opportunities will be available. V3 requires a one-year commitment from those accepted into the school. The design is set to outlast the COVID pandemic and provide another option for our community, meeting the needs of our families.
Governor Cooper’s announcement will guide the schools as a whole, indicating the least restrictive plan that districts may use; however, individual districts, with board approval, can activate a more restrictive plan based on local health data. Once that information is released, our Board of Education will reconvene to make the final action on what plan Vance County Schools will begin for the 2020-2021 school year.
Understanding the Plans
Plan A – Minimal Social Distance
Plan B – Moderate Social Distance
Plan C – Remote Instruction
Transportation
Plan A: Bus transportation provided for all students. Required face coverings on the bus.
Plan B: Bus transportation provided at 50% density. One student per seat. Required face coverings on the bus.
Plan C: Remote Instruction – student transportation not needed.
Instruction
Plan A: Large group interactions reduced. Student movement reduced significantly.
Plan B: No large group interactions. Face-to-face instruction and remote instruction provided on a rotating basis with low-density classrooms.
Group 1: Grades K-3, 9-12
M-Tu-W: Face-to-Face Instruction
Th – F: Remote Instruction
Group 2: Grades 4-8
M-Tu-W: Remote Instruction
Th – F: Face-to-Face Instruction
Plan C: Remote Instruction 5 days a week for all students PK-12th grade.
Meals
Plan A: Meals will be provided to all students daily. Students will eat in their classrooms.
Plan B: Meals will be provided to all students daily. Students will eat in their classrooms. Meal packs will
go home with students for remote instruction days.
Plan C: Grab and Go meal service will be provided to eligible families.
Visitors
All Plans: Outside visitors not allowed in buildings.
Facilities
All Plans: Disinfecting will occur frequently each day in classrooms, on buses and high touch areas.
Face Coverings
Plan A: Staff and students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings
Plan B: Staff and students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings
Plan C: Staff will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings.
Athletics & Activities
All Plans: Activities and athletics will be allowed or prohibited, per guidance from DHHS.
Wellness Checks
All Plans: Wellness checks will be conducted at the entrances of each school daily (and throughout the building during the day as needed).
School Hours
Plan A: Grades K-5: 8:30-2:30 ~ Grades 6-12: 9:00-3:30
Plan B: Grades K-5: 8:30-2:30 ~ Grades 6-12: 9:00-3:30
Plan C: Remote Instruction
Staff Availability
All Plans: Staff will be in the school buildings, providing instruction to students Monday – Friday.