FCPS Policy

Due to the cumulative learning loss of students during this pandemic and in order to  maximize instructional time, FCPS will implement virtual learning for day 6 and beyond  in which school buildings are closed due to inclement weather.  The first 5 inclement weather days were traditional inclement weather days.  Following that, FCPS will utilize flexibility provided by the General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, wherever possible.  Virtual Learning on these days will be synchronous instruction following the Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Day Schedule (includes a 2 hour delay).  Inclement weather virtual learning days will be announced in the same ways that we make all emergency weather announcements, which are posted to the web, text and email, social media, Red Apple 21 and through the local media. Information on how FCPS makes weather decisions is available online.

What to Expect on a Virtual Learning Inclement Weather Day

Virtual learning will be synchronous or live, teacher-led instruction. However, teachers may prepare emergency asynchronous lessons that can be used if they have issues connecting due to power or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Day Schedule will be utilized. 

• ALL Elementary Schools will begin at 10:30 a.m.
• ALL Middle and High Schools will begin on a two-hour delay

Your school and teacher will share more specific information you need to prepare for success on an inclement weather virtual learning day.

Bell Schedule

How Students and Staff Should Prepare for Inclement Weather and Virtual Learning

• Students and staff should take their devices home Friday and be sure the device is charged ahead of the start of the school day the following week. If your child is currently isolating or quarantining and needs to pick up a device from the school to engage in virtual learning should that occur next week, please contact your school directly.   
• Review the Student Technology Readiness Checklist with your child and complete all the at-home readiness steps. 
• Read any messages from your school or teacher to know what to expect.
• Make plans for childcare if needed.

Attendance

Teachers will take attendance in SIS as they would on an in-person day. Students who are unable to connect will be marked absent, but given an opportunity to make up work.

Thank you for taking the time to prepare for the possibility of an inclement weather learning day. We look forward to resuming teaching and learning on Tuesday. Please check your messages in the usual way for any special messages or weather-related announcements.