CURRENT RETURN LEVEL: Level 3 Phase 2

APS COVID-19 Dashboard | APS Health & Safety plan for school buildings | Virginia Department of Health Guidance for Reopening | Virginia Department of Health Website | Virginia Department of Education Guidance

The Phased Return to Hybrid In-Person Learning Plan defines five levels of return, prioritized by students’ level of need and ability to access learning remotely. Our timelines and plans are informed by the guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for safe, gradual return to in-person learning. We continue to make decisions to best serve the needs of students in Arlington, while ensuring the health and safety of our staff and students.

During this transition, schools will work with students to help them acclimate to the new routines, to ensure all students feel safe and supported. We recommend talking to your student(s) about how school will be different when they return, the importance of handwashing and six-foot distancing, and how to properly wear their mask throughout the day.

Can my student switch to a different instructional model now?

Families interested in changing instructional model should contact their school. Schools are admitting additional students for in-person instruction based on the revised CDC guidance allowing for 3 foot distancing in classrooms in some circumstances. Students will be admitted for in-person instruction based on capacities at each school. Principals are maintaining waitlists, giving priority to students with IEPs or 504 plans, as well as English Learners and students struggling in distance learning, and will continue to inform families if space opens for additional students to return for in-person instruction this school year.

RETURN LEVELS AND OVERVIEW

Unless otherwise noted by individual schools or programs, students returning to school in person will report two days per week, either Tue-Wed or Thu-Fri. Students in Countywide Special Education programs (Mini MIPA, MIPA, Life Skills, Communication and Deaf/Hard of Hearing) will report 4 days per week.

LEVEL	STUDENT GROUP(S)	STATUS/TIMING
LEVEL 0	All students	Sept-Oct.
LEVEL 1	Students with Disabilities (SWD) in need of in-person learning support Additionally, In-Person Learning Support (ILS) Programs are underway at Drew, Hoffman-Boston, Ashlawn and Randolph. Identified high school students are participating in “Work Space” Program at five high schools.	November 4, 2020 Schedule for transition of Level 1 SWD from distance to in-person learning 5-day ILS will end on Feb. 19. ILS will be provided Mondays only starting Feb. 22. Work Space programs end on Feb. 26
LEVEL 2	Phase 1: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students (list of courses included in Level 2)	February 3, 2021
	Phase 2: PreK-2nd grade students Countywide Elementary Special Education students	Week of March 2
	Phase 3: 3rd-5th grade students	Week of March 9
LEVEL 3	Phase 1: 6th and 9th grade students Countywide Secondary Special Education Students	Week of March 9
	Phase 2: Grades 7-8 Grades 10-12	Week of March 16
LEVEL 4	All students in-person at 100% capacity	TBD

VIEW THE DASHBOARD TO SEE CURRENT METRICS & DATA
If community health conditions worsen, APS, in collaboration with the Arlington County Public Health Department, will pause at the current level, reverse, or suspend all in-person instruction.
VDH/VDOE Decision Process:

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SELECTION PROCESS FOR STAFF, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

APS provided an opportunity for students and families, as well as staff, to complete a selection process indicating preferred instructional model in the summer and fall 2020.

Staff: Staff were surveyed in early October with the survey closing October 16.

Families: Families in Levels 1, 2 and 3 were surveyed in the fall, with the final Level 3 process closing on Dec. 7.