The best way to differentiate between Remote Learning and the WS/FCS Virtual Academy is to think of Remote Learning as an approach to learning and the Virtual Academy as a school. Students who enroll in the Virtual Academy will receive remote learning for their entire classroom experience with structured online interaction with their teachers and classmates. By enrolling in the Academy, students are essentially transferring from their current schools. For example, if the student is a senior, he or she will graduate from the Virtual Academy. The only exception is that students who participate in athletics or activities like band will continue to participate as part of their former school.

Remote Learning is something that will occur at all schools within the WS/FCS district for some portion of the school calendar. Remote learning is class instruction guided and prepared by the teacher that occurs while the children are at home. The state of North Carolina recently mandated that every school district designate at least five days in the 2020-21 school calendar as Remote Learning. These days, when students will be learning from home versus school, will be used to promote health and safety of our students and staff. Currently, we have allocated Remote Learning days to extend the Thanksgiving break and to create a window in February which is traditionally the height of flu season for students to remain at home. We will have more to share about our district’s application of Remote Learning in the coming weeks.

Absolutely, teachers will receive comprehensive training on remote learning starting in mid-July.  Our Instructional working committee has been assessing different instructional and teacher training models since earlier in the spring. We will have more to share about teacher training and support for our incredible teachers and staff in the coming weeks.

On July 2, WS/FCS announced that the start of voluntary, outdoor workouts for high school athletics will be delayed until July 20. Those workouts, which will have limited participation and no use of equipment, will follow the guidelines set forth by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and local health officials. The July 20 date is subject to change if state and local directives continue to deem it necessary. A decision on start dates for winter, spring and middle school sports has not been made. Additionally, no decisions have been made regarding games or other competitions and we are continuing to evaluate the situation as it remains fluid. We also are looking at how other types of activities and performances may be held or judged virtually or by video. Our Student Activities working committee is thinking creatively and in concert with state organizations to determine how athletics, after-school activities and clubs can still be part of the school experience.

To enable social distancing, we are considering different ways to reduce the number of children at school on the same day. One option is an alternating schedule for in-person learning either by day or by week. No decision has been made on this option, however, should this be the plan, we will coordinate schedules for families with children in different schools. We also will work with our families to ensure every child has a device and connectivity for at-home learning.

Complete details about the Virtual Academy are available on the WS/FCS website and here are some key points about the Academy.

• The Virtual Academy is open to all students in grades K-12 for the 2020-2021 school year.
• Students must apply to enroll in the Academy. You can find the application here.
• Student assignment letters for the Academy will go out starting June 25 via U.S. Postal Mail and will continue throughout the summer as completed applications are received.
• We encourage families to have their students apply for enrollment by August 28 although we will remain flexible with students who want to apply after that date.
• Informational sessions about the Academy are scheduled on-line for July 13, 14,15, 22 and Aug 3, 11. Complete this form to participate.
  

• No decision has been made regarding students enrolled in Choice/Magnet Schools who do not have their own transportation.
• Students who have their own transportation will be able to attend their current Choice/Magnet Schools.
• We recognize the difficult uncertainty this creates for students and families who rely on school transportation and we will have a decision as soon as possible.