Radford City Schools has been diligently checking each student for a fever each morning, and prohibiting entry into the schools without a mask. However, a weekend gathering where social distancing allegedly did not occur has shut down the schools for the next two weeks.
Heather Bell
RADFORD – After going to school for just two weeks in person, Radford City Schools students will now move to virtual-only instruction for the next two weeks.
In an announcement on Monday afternoon, RCS Superintendent Robert Graham said the school system will move to on-line learning only until Sept. 8. due to a “social gathering” involving students, parents and school staff.
“Radford City Public Schools has become aware of a recent, close social gathering in the community involving individuals, including students, staff and parents, who appear to have not been practicing public health recommendations of physical distancing and face coverings,” said Graham in a recorded announcement. “Out of an abundance of caution, concern for the safety and well-being of our school community, and upon guidance from the New River Valley Health Department, RCPS is transitioning from the hybrid model to a full virtual model for all students PK-12 for the next two weeks. RCPS is scheduled to reopen to in-person learning on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020.”
All students must be accounted for each school day via Google classroom until the temporary shutdown is over. Elementary students are expected to sign in each morning and secondary students are expected to sign in each class period.
“Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, all students are expected to sign into their teachers’ Google classrooms every day for the duration of this temporary shutdown,” reads a statement from RCPS. “Elementary students will sign in with their homeroom teacher each morning to find information about synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities for that day. Teachers will post office hours during this time to assist students and families. In addition, the RCPS Parent Virtual Help Center is available to trouble shoot with students and families.”
“Secondary students, including both Dalton Intermediate and Radford High School, are to sign in each period each day to find information about synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities offered in each of their classes,” the statement continues. “Teachers will post office hours during this time to assist students and families. In addition, the RCPS Parent Virtual Help Center is also available for family assistance.”
RCPS has an on-line help center to assist students and families with on-line learning issues That Help Center Site can be reached at: https://sites.google.com/rcps.org/bobcatfamilyresourcesforathome/home
“If you are unable to access on-line learning, please call your child(ren)’s school and notify the building administrator. The building administrator will collaborate with the appropriate teaching staff on how they can provide at-home learning for your child(ren). The teacher or the building administrator will return your call and provide information on the at-home learning materials,” the statement reads.
During the temporary closing, there will be no extra-curricular activities, athletic practices or use of the facilities during and after school hours.
Food is being given out to children who need it during the shutdown.
“RCPS distributed food [Monday] afternoon for those families who came by the distribution center between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. The food distribution for next week will occur on Monday between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. If you need assistance with food, please call Ellen Denny at 540-731-3647.”
At a joint school board and city council work session on Monday to discuss the McHarg Elementary School renovation project, Graham said the move to on-line only instruction was not due to any known positive COVID-19 cases.
“We don’t have any coronavirus in our school system but we are being cautious,” he said.
