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"The West Point school division announced its reopening plans Wednesday evening following its Aug. 4 school board retreat.After several discussions with the Virginia Department of Health, Three Rivers Public Health Director and the Virginia Department of Education, the school board unanimously voted 4-0 on a staggered return hybrid plan.According to a statement released to parents, Superintendent Laura Abel stated all students will begin the school year 100% virtually.While instruction will be completed at home, the division plans to continue teaching lessons. Grades will be a consistent with the division’s previous grading scale and attendance will be be taken on a daily basis.Beginning Sept. 8, students will complete all of their schoolwork at home and online. In the upcoming weeks, Abel said each schools’ principals will be in contact with parents with additional information on what to expect with reopening and what the virtual instruction will look like for each grade level.Parents will have an opportunity to request Chromebooks and hot spots for internet support.After a month of virtual learning, the division plans to reopen schools and begin staggering students’ return until all students are back in the classroom by November.Beginning Oct. 5, schools will reopen with in-person instruction for preschoolers through third-graders returning on a hybrid model with two days in-person and three days of virtual instruction.On Nov. 9, all students will return on a hybrid two-day in-person, three-day virtual plan. Dividing students into two teams, each team will return on different scheduled days.“The board is very aware of the impact that this decision will have on our students and families; however, after thoughtfully considering the information ... it was the shared belief that delaying in-person instruction was the responsible decision,” Abel stated.While this is the current scheduled plan, Abel said the division is continually monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and if the staggered timetable can be accelerated then the division will reassess and go from there. Any decision regarding changing the current plan will be given with at least two weeks’ notice.According to Abel, the division considered several options but, ultimately it did not feel comfortable bringing students back with a potential COVID-19 outbreak happening within the schools.The staggered model will help limit the risk and lead to students returning to school sooner, Abel stated.“As a school division, we have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and community, to do out part in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and to help our community to get back to school and keep our schools open,” Abel stated. “We will continue to do whatever is needed to help Pointer families meet this challenge and we appreciate your unwavering support.”For more information, visit wpschools.net.Emily Holter, emily.holter@virginiamedia.com, 757-256-6657, @EmilyHolterNews."
<https://www.dailypress.com/tidewater-review/va-tr-wp-schools-reopening-plan-0806-20200806-ux2im5qfiba3tewisvjecyga64-story.html>