Public Schools Announce Updates on Summer Learning for All Program

Arlington Public Schools (APS)

• APS announced that they will be unable to serve all of the students who were previously identified as eligible for summer learning due to staffing and resources.
  • The following elementary students will be enrolled in the summer strengthening programs (either in-person or online):
    • All rising kindergarteners (pre-K students in their 4-year-old year) who received a summer school eligibility letter.
    • Students with disabilities who have Extended School Year (ESY) or Recovery Services on their Individualized Education Program (IEP)
    • Students with disabilities who are enrolled in countywide special education programs (Pre-K Special Education Programs, MIPA, Life Skills, Interlude, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and Communication)
    • English Learners (EL) levels 1 and 2 and Temporary English Learners, students who have not yet been assessed but are presumed ELs
  • More information will be shared regarding secondary summer school programming next week.
• Almost 95% of families have selected in-person learning for the upcoming school year. APS reminds families that they are unable to accommodate changes at this time since they are using the data to develop schedules and finalize staffing. There will be a one-week window about a month before the second quarter in which families will be able to change their selections for elementary students, and about a month before the second semester for secondary students.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)

• FCPS is planning to offer a few different learning opportunities this summer. School staff will be contacting families of invited students in the coming weeks. The total number of students that can attend will be based on the number of teachers available to work this summer.
  • Credit recovery: Each high and secondary school will host credit recovery opportunities for its students during two sessions.
  • School-based opportunities for select elementary and middle school students:
    • Each elementary school has summer learning opportunities designed to support students as they develop executive functioning, mathematics, and language arts skills.
    • Each middle school has summer learning opportunities designed to support students as they develop: mathematics, language arts, and problem-solving skills.
• FCPS is considering COVID-19 recovery services for special education students. Determining factors will include whether the student continued making progress in the general education curriculum, alternative course of study specified in their IEP/504 plan, or toward meeting their IEP goals, as well as whether any significant regression occurred during the school closure.
  • IEP teams and 504 committees will use student progress data, teacher assessments, and parent input when considering COVID-19 recovery services. If it is determined that a student requires these, the team will determine the amount and type of service to address the student’s needs.
• The Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has put out a statement supporting FCPS’ plans to resume five days of in-person instruction in the fall. They also stated that virtual instruction should only be used when necessary due to a documented health or medical need and in consultation with a child’s physician.
• FCPS virtual learning in the fall will be limited to students with documented COVID-19 related health or medical needs. This FCPS Virtual Program will be taught by FCPS teachers and accommodate students with special education needs and those who require English as a Second Language services. Some specialized programs will not be available, including some immersion, Advanced Placement courses, and specialized career and technical programs.
  • FCPS asks that families that wish to apply for the Virtual Program complete the eligibility form, which requires a health/medical certification of need completed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist, or a licensed clinical psychologist by May 21, 2021. Families will be contacted with a decision by June 1.

Prince William County Schools (PWCS)

• The superintendent presented the 2021–2022 Learning Plan to the School Board on May 5, 2021. The plan provides for five days per week of full-time, in-person instruction for all students.
  • All students will be considered in-person unless their guardian opts-in to virtual learning. This selection can be made in ParentVUE between May 24–28. More information to be shared shortly.