PWCS will continue to have Code Red Days this school year and beyond when weather conditions warrant their use. During Code Red days, schools and offices will be closed, students will not be assigned any work, and teachers will consider the missed instructional time when scheduling tests or deadlines.

     PWCS may also employ Code Orange for days when weather conditions may be marginal (such as when road conditions are uncertain, or unsafe, for a limited period). 

     During the 2021 legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 1790 and Senate Bill 1132 allowing the use of up to 10 unscheduled remote learning days (part or full) to apply to the 180-day or 990-hour teaching time requirement when the closure is due to severe weather conditions or other emergency situations. Per VDOE Guidance, If school divisions are able to provide instruction and services to each student on these days, instruction can be counted towards “completion” for the length of school term and core instruction hour requirements for this school year.

      According to Regulation 440.04-1, School Closing Due to Hazardous Conditions,” school buildings and office buildings are closed, and the division operates virtually when the Superintendent (or the designee) determines a Code Orange. Synchronous virtual instruction and services are delivered remotely according to the schedule aligned with this guidance and posted online below.

Middle School Code Orange Schedule

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM                 Teacher Planning

9:00 AM – 9:35 AM                 Advisory/Period 1

9:40 AM – 10:10 AM               Period 2

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM             Period 3

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM             Period 4

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM             LUNCH

12:20 PM – 12:50 PM             Period 5

12:55 PM – 1:25 PM               Period 6

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM                 Period 7

    Students should take their devices home each day. If your family needs assistance with accessing Canvas at home, please contact our Instructional Technology Coach, Mr. Piette.

     As we plan for increased communication during the winter months, it is important that all contact information is updated in ParentVUE to ensure that you are receiving important school messages. Additionally, caregiver information should also remain current to ensure the safety of your child in the event of an early closure. If you need assistance, please contact our registrar, Mrs. Bucci.

     More information on weather closings can be found here.

Here are some important guidelines for Code Orange:

  • Normally scheduled in-person classes will occur virtually according to the Code Orange established bell schedule and class times.
  • All students and staff will follow the class/subject schedule they would have followed on that calendar day and the times posted by their individual school.
  • In-person students will log into their classes using Canvas.  
  • All teachers will provide live virtual instruction to their students using Zoom.  To join the Zoom meeting for your class, click on Zoom - New on the left of the screen in that course in Canvas.
  • Students will need to turn their cameras on and participate in the class to be counted as present. Blurred or other backgrounds can be utilized by students.
  • If there are any technology challenges, families should contact the help desk.
  • If a student forgets their school-issued device, they may use another device or phone to access most applications online, including Canvas and Office.com.
  • Any family needing assistance with home internet should contact their school during the first month of school to receive a school-issued take-home “hotspot.”

     

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

 

Helpful Links
Canvas - To access content as well as class zoom
Office 365
Clever