7/31/20
BASIC INFORMATION
- Schedules are now visible in SVGS’s Infinite Campus. If you need assistance accessing the student schedule, please contact me.
- New students – AUGUST 11-14: New students will attend orientation days based on their regular SVGS schedule.
- If you have SVGS classes scheduled for A rotation (T-TH), you will attend August 11 & 13 from 7:40 am – 10:55 am.
- If you have SVGS classes scheduled for B rotation (W-F), you will attend August 12 & 14 from 7:40 am – 10:55 am.
- Returning students – AUGUST 13-14: All returning students will begin on August 13 & 14 based on their regular SVGS schedule.
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- If you have SVGS classes scheduled for A rotation (T-TH), you will attend August 13 from 7:40 am – 10:55 am.
- If you have SVGS classes scheduled for B rotation (W-F), you will attend August 14 from 7:40 am – 10:55 am.
- Students who are remote learning will receive an individual schedule of virtual meetings to start the year next week.
- AUGUST 17: Students with a class scheduled for Monday morning ( i.e. seniors with a 4th class, acting and studio art) will begin meeting August 17 from 8-11 am.
- AUGUST 17: There will be no virtual sessions Monday afternoon, August 17. Virtual class sessions for all students will begin Monday, August 24.
- AUGUST 18: Regular classes for SVGS begin each day at 7:40. Students have staggered dismissal times by school beginning at 10:52. Parents may pick up students at 10:52. The tech bus will depart at 11:05.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Where do students and parents receive schedule information?
Schedules are now visible in SVGS’s Infinite Campus. All students and parents should have an account. If account information is needed, please contact Dr. Whitesell, whitesell@svgs.k12.va.us.
How do we read and interpret the schedule?
The schedule shows both the course selections, times, days and teacher on the rotation (either T-TH or W-F) that students would attend classes in-person. “Independent Learning” represents days students do not attend in-person but work on their courses independently from home. “Virtual Class Meetings” are synchronous virtual meetings for all classes. Teachers will provide students with times for virtual meetings.
If I am a new student, how do I know when to come for orientation?
New students will attend orientation days based on their regular SVGS schedule. If you have SVGS classes scheduled for A rotation (T-TH), you will attend August 11 & 13 from 7:40 am – 10:55 am. If you have SVGS classes scheduled for B rotation (W-F), you will attend August 12 & 14 from 7:40 am – 10:55 am.
What if I am scheduled at SVGS on a different rotation than at my high school?
Unfortunately, both schedules could not be aligned for every student so some of students will attend SVGS and their homeschool on different days. Priority was given to students needing transportation and those responsible for family childcare.
What is hybrid learning?
Hybrid learning at SVGS includes in-person learning, synchronous virtual learning, and independent learning. Students attend SVGS classes in-person 2 days a week on A-B rotation days. Some students will also attend Monday morning based on their course selections (i.e. seniors with a 4th class, acting or studio art). On Monday afternoon, SVGS students will meet with their classes virtually at a specific time for a synchronous class session. Students will engage in independent learning on their own on days they do not physically or virtually attend SVGS classes.
What is distance or remote learning?
Distance or remote learning includes independent learning and synchronous virtual sessions. Students do not attend SVGS but engage primarily in independent learning. Students will meet with their classes virtually at a specific time for a synchronous class session on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Students and/or teachers may schedule individual sessions to meet as needed.
Can my student attend SVGS in person but their home high school remotely?
Yes, all school divisions will offer that flexibility. Please be sure to let us know as soon as possible if this is what you choose.
How will labs work?
Labs will be provided in different formats depending on the specific course and topic. Labs will be simulated or virtual demonstrations, able to be completed at home, outdoors, or done in the SVGS labs with social distancing.
Will students be able to work in groups or with a partner?
Students will be able to work in partners or in groups in-person and independently. If students are working in-person less than six feet or are moving around frequently, masks will be required.
IN-PERSON LEARNING AT SVGS
What are the times for SVGS classes starting and ending?
SVGS classes begin at 7:40 am end at 10:52 am.
Where do students go when they arrive?
Students should report directly to their homeroom when they arrive.
May students carry backpacks?
Students may carry backpacks as needed. Many students choose to have a backpack for SVGS and one for their homeschool to minimize load and for organization.
What is the average class size?
The average class size with social distancing is about 10 students. Larger classrooms with greater capacity average about 14 students.
How and when are students dismissed?
Dismissals begin at 10:52. Students are released on a staggered dismissal schedule based on their home schedule and travel time.
TECHNOLOGY
Do I need a computer at SVGS?
Students will need access to a computer and internet. Students may access the internet and use computers on-site. Students may use their own device on-site. Students who do not have a computer at home may check-out a computer to use.
What if our family doesn’t have a reliable internet connection?
SVGS may be able to accommodate a small number of students who wish to complete their schoolwork in the school building at certain times, as long as we are able to maintain social distancing requirements. School divisions have a limited number of hotspots that may be requested. Please let us know if you are interested in either option.
If I choose to buy or use my own personal computer or device, what is recommended?
There are no specific recommendations for a particular type of device. Many students prefer laptops. Chromebooks are limited in functionality in terms of using Microsoft Office Apps such as Excel or Word which are used in SVGS classes and other freeware programs used. A computer with 4-8 GB of RAM, wireless adaptor, and 1 TB of storage is sufficient.
Do students need to buy Microsoft Office?
No. All students are able to access and download Microsoft Office apps to their own computer free within their SVGS email account.
How do students get credentials for SVGS accounts for CANVAS, Infinite Campus (student portal), and SVGS email?
Returning students should use their credentials from last year. New students received information in the mail in July regarding their credentials and setting up accounts.
How do parents get credentials for Infinite Campus (parent portal)?
Parents of returning students should use their Infinite Campus credentials from last year. Parents of new students received their credentials via email in July. If account information is needed, please contact Dr. Whitesell, whitesell@svgs.k12.va.us.
Who do students and parents contact if there is a problem with technology accounts?
For issues with CANVAS, Infinite Campus or SVGS email, please contact Dr. Whitesell, whitesell@svgs.k12.va.us. For issues with WebAssign (STEM classes), please contact Mr. Martin martin@svgs.k12.va.us.
TRANSPORTATION
Do student drivers need a parking pass? If so, how do they get one?
All student drivers need a parking pass to register their vehicle. There is no fee this year for parking. Students should see Mrs. Conner when they attend the first week for a copy of the driving form or they may download the form from our website. A parking pass will then be issued when the students returns the driving from to Mrs. Conner with a parent signature.
May students ride with other students?
Students may ride with other SVGS students with parent permission for both the student driver and rider. Students riding with another student should complete the rider form. Students should see Mrs. Conner when they attend the first week for a copy of the rider form or they may download the form from our website. Student drivers transporting another student should add those student names to their driving form signed with parent permission.
Is there transportation provided to SVGS? From SVGS to the home school?
There will be a tech bus transportation from SVGS back to the high school at the end of SVGS classes. Transportation to SVGS will be coordinated individually with the school divisions on a case by case basis.
Will my student have to wear a mask while riding a bus (i.e. tech bus)?
Yes.
Where do students park?
SVGS students may park in the side lot near Wilson Elementary School or in the other side lot near Wilson Memorial HS. Students should not park in front or in back of the
building.
Where do parents/guardians/others drop students off?
Parents should drop off their student in the side lot near Wilson Elementary School. SVGS will be open at 7:00 am.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Can teachers require students to wear masks in the classroom?
Face coverings will be required when social distancing (6 feet) cannot be maintained (i.e. when
students are out of their seat, during class changes, and when on school buses).
Do students/parents/staff need to wear masks?
Masks are required of everyone (public, staff, students, employees, me) when 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained. Entering a building into a hallway or office space does not allow for everyone to maintain social distancing requirements as someone may be directly in front of them, behind them or exiting the door/area. Therefore, we all will have a mask. Once a parent, student or employee reaches their location within the building where social distancing can be maintained, they can take off the mask. Bathrooms will be areas where masks are mandatory at all times.
Will the school do health screenings?
Parents are expected to screen their students daily. If the answer is YES to any of these questions listed below, please keep the student at home and contact SVGS regarding the absence.
- Has the student had a temperature greater than 100.4 in the last 72 hours (3 days)?
- Has the student had a new cough, shortness of breath, changes in taste or smell, chills, or sore throat in the last 72 hours (3 days)?
- Has the student taken medication to lower temperature in the past 72 hours?
- Have you been in close contact (less than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes without a face covering) with anyone in the last 14 days who has been sick with COVID-19 symptoms or who is being tested for COVID-19?
Will the school do temperature checks?
School personnel will check the temperature of all students as they arrive at school with a touchless forehead thermometer at the main entry. Students who have a fever of 100.4 or higher will be sent home as per the Va. Department of Health guidelines. The temperature check will be administered outside before the student enters the building when possible or at the entry point.
What is the protocol for a student who is ill?
Isolation rooms with supervision will be utilized for any individual with an elevated temperature or becomes ill at school during the day. Individuals are highly encouraged to monitor their own health and should not attend school if they are not well.
What if there is an increase in infection rates locally?
SVGS is prepared to switch to remote instruction whenever it is deemed advisable by our regional school divisions and local health department.
How will teachers and parents be alerted regarding a positive COVID-19 case at SVGS?
The VA Department of Health (VDH) will be notified of a positive case within SVGS and/or the school divisions and VDH will conduct contact tracing and notify those identified as close contacts. Close contacts are defined by VDH as being within six feet of an infected individual for longer than 15 minutes without a face covering. Additional resources can be found at: VA Department of Health Resources for K-12 Education.
If you have other questions, please contact Lee Ann Whitesell, Director at whitesell@svgs.k12.va.us or 245-5088.
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School 