Highlights of Virtual PLUS+ Phased Reentry Plan (Transition to Hybrid)

At the center of the proposed phased-in plan is a commitment to safety, wellness, equity of experience, and ensuring successful outcomes. This plan continues to ensure fidelity to Virtual PLUS+ while planning for a phased-in approach for reopening school buildings.

Contingent upon staffing and building capacity, the superintendent recommends that ACPS adopt a phased-in approach for in-person learning for students in grades Pre-K-12 beginning in November with our most vulnerable students. You can see the full Timeline of Phased Reentry Steps (PDF).

In January 2021, this phased-in reentry will expand to include remaining students in grades PreK-5 who opt into in-person learning.

In February 2021, this phased-in reentry will expand to include remaining students in grades PreK-12 who opt into in-person learning. Plans are being worked through for high school students.

There will also be a fully virtual model for students who do not wish to return to the school building.

The expanded plan includes details related to:

• Adjustments to the Virtual PLUS+ Elementary School Schedule;
• Health + Safety Measures;
• Meal Service Plan;
• Phased Reentry;
• Procedures in the Event of a Positive COVID-19 Case; and 
• Transportation of Students.

Our transition plan ensures all students and staff are healthy, safe, and engaged during the reopening process, including following required health and sanitation mitigation procedures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The phase-in transition plan will also ensure that students receive personalized academic support and interventions to address any learning losses resulting from school building closings.

It is important to note that the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and families are critical in deciding whether to reopen school buildings for in-person learning.  Please be aware that we are still working through our staffing model, which takes into account that our staff members are facing some of the same challenges that many of our families are grappling with during this pandemic.

This plan also designs an option that we know we can implement and not have to pull back from due to an outbreak of the virus as we head into flu season.

Reentry planning has taken into account:

• Building Capacity: classroom layouts; furniture; learning spaces; hallways and communal spaces;
• Students: prioritized based on need; education; equity; family preference;
• Staff Availability: Ability to return, personal health conditions; direct instruction; virtual roles;
• Instructional Model: schedules; technology; pacing;
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) + Health/Safety Training: procurement; cleaning protocols; ability to monitor; health mitigations from the Alexandria Health Department; and
• Transportation: Modified routes; bus capacity; driver support; monitors.

ACPS will continue to review its plans as well as survey our families and staff every seven to nine weeks.