PPS to start 2020-2021 school year virtually

Portsmouth Public Schools to start 2020-2021 school year with virtual instruction
Posted on 07/29/2020
Portsmouth Public Schools to start 2020-2021 school year with virtual instructionAt a special meeting of the School Board of the City of Portsmouth, the Board voted 8-0 to move forward with the reopening of schools in a completely virtual setting for at least the first nine weeks. The division will reassess school operations at the end of the first nine weeks.

“Since Gov. Northam’s announcement in June that we would be reopening schools in September, our staff and administration has been working tirelessly to ensure we were prepared to open schools in the safest way possible for our staff, students and families,” said Dr. Elie Bracy, III, superintendent of Portsmouth Public Schools. “While we are saddened to not be in our buildings with our students at the beginning of the year, the Board’s decision tonight was the best one in consideration of the health and wellbeing for our entire community. We are ready to start the year in our online classrooms and provide the supports necessary for our students to excel in the 2020-2021 school year.”

In making its decision, the Board took into consideration feedback received from the Portsmouth Health Department, Portsmouth Education Association, the Portsmouth Council of PTAs as well as preliminary survey data from staff and parents, which all overwhelmingly shared that the preference would be to have students return in a virtual setting for the beginning of the year.

Surveys will remain open for staff and families to complete through Aug. 3, and the survey results will still be shared with administration and the School Board.

More information, including a listing of Frequently Asked Questions as well as guidelines for operating under a virtual schedule, will be shared directly with staff and families Monday, Aug. 3.
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