On Wednesday, December 16, Newport News Public Schools school board held a virtual town hall meeting for middle and high school students to talk about what the hybrid schedule will look like and answer any questions about the second semester. At the meeting, the Administrative team members talked about many categories such as athletics, after school activities, and assessments. Here is a little summary of what was talked about in each of the categories:

Health and Safety Measures:

Dr. Felicia Barnett (Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership) went over the health and safety measures that are going to take place when middle and high school students return back to the school building.

-Consistent use of masks in all buildings and school buses

-Social distancing of at least six feet

-Fewer students in each classroom

-Consistent cleaning and disinfection

-In-classroom health stations (cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, hand soap, disinfectant wipes, and masks)

Return to Learn 2021 Schedule

The students who chose to do the hybrid learning will go to school on February 1, those students will be split into two cohorts. Cohort one will consist of students who have last names starting from A-K will go into the building on Mondays and Tuesdays, will work asynchronously from home on Wednesdays, and will work virtually from home on Thursdays and Fridays. Cohort two will include students with last names starting from L-Z will learn virtually from home on Mondays and Tuesdays,will also work asynchronous from home on Wednesdays,and will be in the building on Thursdays and Fridays.

Assessment:

High school students will still take their semester exams on January 22nd-27th. They will also be online for students who are learning virtually from home. Juniors will have the chance to take the PSAT  on January 26 if their parent gives them permission through parent-vue. This test will be taken at school and will be pencil and paper only. Sophomores will also be able to take the PSAT on March 26. Students will also have to take sols that will be administered January 15-February 19. The SOL’s will be administered at school and transportation will be provided for those who need it. Parents can also delay their child’s testing to the traditional May testing dates.

Athletics:

The sport season has just started this December,the schedule will be split into three seasons. Season 1 winter sports will include Basketball, sideline cheer, indoor track, swim, and dive and their first competition will be decided on the week of January 11.

Season 2 will include competition cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, and volleyball. Their first competition date will be on March 1.

Season three will include sports baseball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, outdoor track, and field. Their first competition date will be on April 26.

After school activities:

After-school clubs are ongoing and students can check their school website for further information.