Welcome Back to School!
I hope you and your families have enjoyed a safe and healthy summer during these challenging times. I do not have to tell you that next week’s return to school will be as exciting as ever, but it will not look as it has in years past. This reality has some students and parents feeling understandably anxious and uncertain. Please know that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has made tremendous investments in technology and professional development to help make this virtual start to the school year a success.
To support families working with their children during virtual learning, FCPS has launched a new Parent Technology Help Desk. The help desk can be reached at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS) and will be answered by staff members between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week. We have also set up an online portal to allow older students and parents or guardians to request technology assistance directly.
Parents and guardians can help set their children up for success by helping them to develop new routines, making sure they have a comfortable workspace when possible, minimizing distractions, creating a space where their supplies are easy to find, providing positive feedback, and using a checklist to help them focus.
My partner is a high school teacher in Fairfax County. He and his colleagues have been preparing to return to school for weeks – participating in many hours of professional development to sharpen skills and become even more familiar with distance learning technology. They are working hard to make sure our students are successful and have a smooth start to the school year.
Our ability to make the most of this difficult situation is incumbent upon parents, students, teachers, and staff sharing their honest feedback – the good and the bad – about their experiences with distance learning. We need to know what is working and what needs improvement, so please do not hesitate to contact me. During this time of social distancing, hearing from you directly is critical to our success.
We are all in this together. Thank you for all you have done to help and support our students, teachers, and staff.
Karl Frisch
Providence District Representative
Fairfax County School Board