UPDATE: Chesapeake Public Schools has extended its Return-to-School Family Choice Window through the end of this month. All families can edit their answers in ParentVue until July 31.
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – Chesapeake Public Schools conducted a survey of parents, employees, and students to gather feedback on the reopening of schools. On Monday, officials released a detailed look at those results and unveiled their “Recover, Redesign, Restart 2020” plan.
11,164 parents, 4,618 students and 3,581 employees (mostly teachers) completed the survey in June.
Administrators used the results to create two options when students return to school in the fall — with the ultimate goal of bringing students and staff back to school in a safe learning environment.
Option 1
Option one would be an on-campus continuum. Depending on the COVID-19 rates and taking into consideration VDOE guidance, this option could include traditional five days a week on campus learning, a blend of in person at at-home learning or temporary online learning.
Option 2
The second option would be entirely online, with scheduled teacher-led instruction for grades K-12. Some elective courses may not be available with this option.
Teachers would have online office hours, would respond to emails and phone calls and would offer online intervention sessions.
Elementary age students would receive between 1 and 2.5 hours of teacher-led instruction each day, depending on the grade. Middle and High School students would receive 30-45 minutes of online instruction for each course per day.
The school system said some sports and activities would resume at the high school level only and with restrictions in place.
If parents choose this second option, it requires a semester long commitment, through February 2, 2021.
Time to Choose
Families will get to choose between Option one: On-campus Continuum or Option Two: Chesapeake Online from July 9 through July 31. The school says it will message families via mail and email. They will post an overview of the options, as well as a link to the full plan and frequently asked questions on a responsive “Return-to-School” website.
Chesapeake Public Schools has also scheduled virtual Q&A family forums on the following dates and times:
- July 13, 16, 20 at 6 p.m.
- July 20 at 12 p.m.
A School Board meeting will be held on July 27 at 6 p.m. to discuss moving forward toward a return-to-school plan.
The survey conducted in June showed that most parents felt safe sending their students back to school every day, with additional health and safety requirements in place.
If school cannot resume traditional face-to-face instruction. most parents of students across all grade levels said they would prefer a hybrid option, with in-person and online learning.
Looking ahead: Chesapeake Public Schools began its employee return-to-work status checks on July 7 and also began accepting applications for Chesapeake Online teaching positions. Only internal candidates can apply. CPS plans to hold information sessions about the positions on July 8 at 11 a.m. and July 9 at 5 p.m.
10 On Your Side will continue to update you as Chesapeake Public Schools announces future back-to-school plans.