A VPS student learns remotely.
In our second week of remote learning, I want to thank you for your efforts as we work through this new chapter of education together. We know parents and guardians have many questions about the remainder of the school year, and we are doing our best to get answers. Please watch for regular updates from your school principal and teachers as well as messages from the district as more information is available.
Digital learning devices
Over the past two days, our district and school staff have distributed iPads for all kindergarten through second grade students. If you were unable to pick up your child’s iPad, or if you have an older student who doesn’t have a digital learning device at home, please email your principal to make arrangements to pick up one. We have not yet determined a timeline for the return of those devices but will let you know later this spring.
Grading practices, credit and report cards
The State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction have provided flexibility in grading practices during the emergency school closure. While schools and students are expected to make a good faith effort in continuing their education via remote learning, students’ grades will not be negatively impacted by circumstances out of their control.
We understand that remote learning creates new challenges. Our promise to our families and students is that grades and promotions will not be harmed due to the coronavirus pandemic. More information about grading practices can be found in this FAQ.
Update April 22: New grading rules for high school courses.
Retrieving personal items from schools
Principals will develop a schedule allowing parents and students to retrieve belongings from schools before the end of the school year. Entry into the schools will follow the required social distancing and recommended safety protocols.
Fines and other account questions
To pay fines or fees, please go to the fines and fees website. For more information, contact your principal. Details about requesting refunds or applying a balance forward to next school year will be available soon.
Elementary/middle and middle/high school transitions
More information will be shared about student transitions from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school. The process for course registration and other requirements for next year will be coming soon.
Class of 2020
The State Board of Education offers flexibility in grading and credit accrual to the class of 2020. Credit-based graduation requirements may be waived for students on track to graduate. The closure of schools will not have a negative impact on students’ grades and coursework. Counselors from each high school will contact every 12th grade student individually with more information about grading options and college entrance requirements. Options for conducting senior proms and graduation ceremonies are being evaluated now. State regulations for social distancing and safety protocol will determine the scheduling and format of those events. More detailed information for the class of 2020 will be provided to parents/guardians of high school seniors later this week.
Yearbooks and end-of-school-year activities
We share your disappointment that schools will be unable to conduct traditional end-of-year activities due to the statewide closure and social distancing guidance. For more information about your school’s yearbook, please contact the school.
Although we don’t have all the answers right now, please be assured we are working hard to keep you updated. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please continue to focus on learning at home with your children and let us know how we can support you.
Sincerely,
Steve Webb, Ed.D.
Superintendent