Now Is The Time For Parents To Choose The Best Option For Their Child When Escambia Schools Reopen In August
July 13, 2020
The deadline is just a week away for parents to choose what education option is best for their child when Escambia County School reopen at full capacity in August.
Three Choices for Each Student
Parents will choose between a traditional return to campus with in-person instruction, virtual learning with a connection to enrolled school and online virtual school through Escambia Virtual Academy.
Those options, in more detail, are:
Traditional -
This model represents a return to the school campus and the classroom where students will interact directly with their teacher(s) and classmates. If an option is not selected in FOCUS for a student, then this will be the default selection. The school day will follow the standard bell times and standard schedule that includes all the core classes and other subject areas. In short, it represents a return to the traditional school environment – with several significant changes involving enhanced health and safety precautions.
Remote Learning -
The remote learning model is designed for families who would like to maintain their connection to their enrolled school, but don’t yet feel comfortable sending their student(s) back to school in August. Students will attend school remotely, following the standard school schedule and bell times. The lessons, assignments and grading will be similar to traditional school.
Virtual School -
The virtual model is ideal for students who wish to have more control over their learning path and pace, and for whom a flexible daily schedule is important. In this learning model, students often work on assignments in a virtual environment during non-traditional hours and maintain contact with their teacher and classmates using web-based class sessions, email, text messages and telephone calls.
Once parents have reviewed the options available, a selection must be made to choose an option which best meets their student’s needs by a deadline of Monday, July 20, 2020. Parents and guardians will utilize their parent/student FOCUS account to choose this selection. It is important to note that the instructional model chosen will place the student within the selected learning option for an entire (9-week) grading period. Every effort will be made to ensure students will start the 2020-2021 school year ready for success.
Parents will have until Monday, July 20 to choose the option that is best for their student by clicking or tapping here. If no selection is made, the student will be placed in the traditional option.
Back to School Safety
Students will be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks, and they will be expected to socially distance. At the elementary school level where social distancing is difficult at best. Students will spend most of their day only interacting with students in their class.
Dining will take place in the classroom, cafeteria, and outdoors. Dining in the cafeteria will be limited in an effort to promote social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available at all points of meal service.
School bus operators, school bus assistants, and students will all be encouraged to wear masks while aboard the bus. All buses will undergo disinfection of commonly touched surfaces at least twice per day as per District guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be available on buses for students and staff.
Most sporting events will have a smaller, “more select crowd” with less exposure. Certain gatherings will not be allowed during the first semester but will be reevaluated for the second semester. Crowd sizes will be governed by state and local and state guideless. All sports will be offered during the 2020-2021 school year, but with restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Now that we know what the options are, what comes next?
Take time to familiarize yourself with the options, and then choose the option that works best for your student. After reading the descriptions of the options, you can review the Frequently Asked Questions. When you are ready to make your choice, go to the blue Select an Option button. You will be directed to the Focus login page where you will login to your parent/student account to make your selection. If you have more than one student, you will have the opportunity to make a selection for each one. The deadline for making your choice is Monday, July 20.
Will parents and volunteers be allowed on campus?
For quarter 1 parents, volunteers, mentors, and visitors will not be present on campus. This will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will students be expected to take FSA?
Yes. At this time the Florida DOE has indicated plans to test in the spring. All options (Traditional, Remote, Virtual) will be expected to participate.
Will there be an open house this year?
No, there will not be an open house this year.
Will students be able to go on field trips?
There will be no field trips in the 1st quarter. This decision will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will parents be allowed to attend conferences on campus?
Yes. Face to Face conferences are permitted, however, parents may also request virtual conferences.
Will parents be permitted to walk their student(s) to class?
No. For the safety of students and staff, no visitors will be allowed on campus.
Will there be orientations this year?
Orientations will be performed on a limited basis. Consult your school’s website for specific information regarding orientation.
If I do not make a selection for my student, in which option will they be placed?
The Traditional Option will be the default selection.
LEARNING MODEL OPTIONS
Once I choose an option, can I change my mind later?
A continuous and consistent learning environment is best for student success. However, parents and students might have compelling reasons to seek a transition from one option to another. For the sake of continuity, transfers from one learning option to another may only occur after the completion of a grading period.
Will each option offer the same classes?
Core classes will be available under all three options. The Escambia Virtual Academy (EVA) and Remote Learning options will have a limited selection of electives. These will differ from courses available in the Traditional model.
Is the Remote Learning option identical to the distance learning we experienced during the final months of the school year?
No. It will feature a robust curriculum with an assignment load similar to the Traditional model. Based on feedback from students and parents, there is a clearer idea of which factors contribute to greater student success. Those factors include more frequent real-time interaction between students and teachers. Also, the Remote Learning model will incorporate standard school schedules and bell times, leading to a learning experience more connected to teachers.
Under the Traditional model, will elementary students be able to have recess?
Yes. Recess will be organized to emphasize social distancing. Playground equipment will be sanitized between use.
What options are available to children in the Voluntary Pre-K program?
The Traditional model is the only option available to children in the Voluntary Pre-K program.
If I choose the Escambia Virtual Academy (EVA) or Remote Learning option will my student be able to participate in athletics?
Yes, students will have the same opportunities to participate in athletics at their zoned school.
Will IB be offered through one of the online learning models?
Yes. IB will be available through the Remote Learning model, as well as the Traditional model.
Has the start date for the 2020-2021 school year changed?
No. The first day of school for students for all options/models will be on August 10.
If my student is enrolled in Dual Enrollment part/full time what option should I choose?
You will select the Traditional Option.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Will students wear masks in classrooms?
Students are encouraged to wear masks or cloth face coverings.
Will students be expected to socially distance?
Students will be socially distanced to the extent possible. At the elementary school level, where social distancing will be extremely difficult, students will spend most of the school day interacting only with students in their class. By limiting their exposure to a small number of students, the chance of infection is reduced.
What steps will be taken to ensure that surfaces are clean in classrooms?
Maintenance workers and school custodians will clean frequently touched surfaces throughout the day and conduct overall cleanings at the conclusion of every day. Other non-custodial staff members will be expected to do their part keeping surfaces clean and will be provided spray bottles and microfiber cloths for additional cleaning. Teachers will have access to cleaning supplies for their classrooms. Student hand washing will be frequent.
What other steps are being taken to ensure a healthy environment?
Escambia Schools will partner with parents in educating students on the importance of handwashing, hygiene, and social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be made available in classrooms and workplaces. The schedule for changing air conditioning filters has been accelerated. Water fountains are being retrofitted to be bottle fillers. Temperature checks will be performed on staff and students as appropriate.
What will my student’s school do if a classmate or staff member is infected with COVID-19?
Communication will be sent to parents and staff that if they are exhibiting symptoms, they should not come to school or report to work. If a student exhibits symptoms at school he/she will be taken to the school clinic and the parent or guardian will be notified.
What if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County will notify the district if a student or staff member tests positive. Parents of students in the affected class will be notified, while not specifically identifying the student or staff member. The Health Department will conduct the appropriate notifications of individuals who have been in contact with the person infected. The Reopening plan is designed to limit the chances of infection and to limit the disruption to a school or workplace in the event of an infection.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Will the district be completing Child Find and evaluation when school reopens?
Escambia County Schools will continue to identify, locate, and evaluate students suspected of having a disability and needing special education and related services. At the same time, being mindful that students have been displaced from their typical learning environment when initiating the referral process. Some evaluation procedures can be completed in remote learning situations. Some evaluations require in-person contact with students or observations of students in school settings. Escambia County Schools is conducting evaluations remotely and in-person while adhering to public health guidelines for the safety of students and staff.
How will Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings take place in the Fall?
Escambia County Schools is committed to providing families an opportunity to have meaningful participation in the special education process. Whether in-person or an alternative format, such as videoconferencing or by phone, IEP teams will partner with families to determine the most practical format to conduct IEP meetings.
Will students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans receive accommodations in EVA and Remote Learning?
All students attending EVA and Remote Learning will have access to many accommodations that naturally occur in the virtual setting. In addition, EVA and Remote Learning may be able to provide additional accommodations per a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan if the accommodation(s) is/are applicable to the online educational environment. Please note that some accommodations may not be possible to implement in the online educational setting.
MEALS
What steps will be taken to limit exposure in the school cafeteria?
Dining will take place in the classroom, cafeteria, and outdoors. Dining in the cafeteria will be limited in an effort to promote social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available at all points of meal service.
What steps will be taken to minimize frequent contact to surfaces during meal service?
All items will be individually packaged to minimize frequent contact to surfaces and facilitate grab and go meal service. This will allow students to eat throughout the campus as appropriate.
TRANSPORTATION
What steps will be taken to limit exposure on school buses?
School bus operators, school bus assistants, and students will all be encouraged to wear masks while aboard the bus. All buses will undergo disinfection of commonly touched surfaces at least twice per day as per District guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be available on buses for students and staff.
Why are sporting events allowed and not pep rallies, dances, and back to school nights?
Most sporting events have a smaller, more select crowd, and therefore involve less exposure. At this time only certain gatherings will not be allowed 1st semester and will be re-evaluated for 2nd semester.
ATHLETICS
Will athletes be required to wear masks?
Not during competition or practice, but they will be encouraged to wear masks or cloth face coverings while riding the bus to and from the game.
Will parents still be allowed to attend games?
Yes. Crowd capacity will be determined based on state and local guidelines.
Will sports still be offered next school year?
Yes. Sports will be offered in the 2020-2021 school year. The same sports will be offered as usual with some restrictions on social distancing, cleaning procedures, and masks (optional for athletes). Students will be encouraged to wear a mask on any bus trips to games.
If a student chooses the EVA or Remote Learning option are they able to try out for school sports?
Yes. If you choose the EVA option you can participate at your zoned school. If you choose the Remote Learning option, you will be able to participate in sports at your enrolled school.
Will volunteer coaches be permitted?
Yes. However, they will be subject to temperature checks and encouraged to wear a mask.
BAND
Will students wear masks in the band room?
Students will be encouraged to wear masks or face coverings when not playing instruments.
Will students be expected to socially distance in the band room?
Yes. The band room will be arranged for social distancing and band students will adhere to the guidelines for social distancing as much as possible. Rehearsals will be outdoors when appropriate.
Will band students travel to away football games?
During the first quarter, restricted travel to Escambia County and Santa Rosa County football games and band events can take place. In some cases, only a pep band may be at the game. This decision will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will students participate in concerts and performances?
Yes. Performance opportunities are key to a student’s band experience. For the first quarter, outdoor performances and live stream performances can occur. This decision will be reevaluated each quarter.
Will band parents be able to chaperone and volunteer in the band?
Volunteers are not permitted during the school day. After school, parents can be part of the band booster program if they have completed the ECSD volunteer paperwork and participate in a band COVID19 parent orientation. Band booster parents will be encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and volunteer with the same small group every time to limit exposure.
How have band uniforms been sanitized?
Band uniforms have been cleaned and sanitized following the manufacturers’ guidelines.
Florida Gas Prices At 16-Year Low For July
July 13, 2020
At an statewide average of $2.10 for a gallon of regular unleaded, Florida has the lowest gas prices in 16 years.
The average price per gallon Sunday night in Escambia County was $2.07, up from $1.96 a month ago but below the year ago price of $2.63.
A couple of Cantonment stations were at $1.94 a gallon Sunday night, while Pensacola prices were as low as $1.89 at two warehouse clubs.
“Florida drivers are paying the lowest July gas prices in 16 years,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “COVID-19 continues to have a limiting impact on prices at the pump. Gasoline demand remains below pre-pandemic levels. Drivers who are hitting the road are paying 54 cents per gallon less than this time last year.”
Crude oil prices – a key influencer in the direction of gas prices – have been unable to build any solid upward momentum this summer. The price of U.S. crude oil has danced around the $40 per barrel for the past four weeks. The International Energy Agency suggests global demand has rebounded faster than previously thought, but analysts remain cautious about rising cases of the coronavirus in the United States, and what long terms effects that could have on supply and demand.
Food Giveaway Tuesday At Carver Park In Cantonment
July 13, 2020
The Cantonment Improvement Committee will hold a food distribution on Tuesday, July 14 at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street, for school-age children.
The distribution will begin at 3 p.m. Tuesday and continue while supplies last.
The CIC accepts food donations each Monday at 3 p.m. for distribution on Tuesdays.
UPDATE: A larger 10,000 pound food giveaway including meats, fresh fruits, vegetables and more will be held Tuesday, July 21.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Deadline To Register To Vote, Switch Parties Is One Week Away
July 13, 2020
There’s just one week left to register to vote in Florida’s primary election August 18.
The registration deadline is Monday, July 20. Florida has closed primaries. If you want to vote in a party’s primary, you must be registered in that party by the registration deadline.
For the general election on November 3, the voter registration deadline is October 5.
Voters can register online or register in person. For information on any of the registration methods, change parties or check your registration, visit escambiavotes.com.
Florida Forest Service Accepting Applications To Help Landowners Combat Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak
July 13, 2020
The Florida Forest Service is announcing that applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, the known range of the southern pine beetle, and open to non-industrial, private forest landowners through August 6, 2020.
The southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most economically devastating forest pests of the Southeast, with periodic outbreaks leading to deaths of millions of pine trees. Since 2015, over 460 SPB infestations have been reported in Florida, killing trees on more than 2,200 acres. This pales in comparison to the last major outbreaks between 1999 and 2002, which caused an estimated $59 million in timber losses on over 24,000 acres.
Since it was first offered in 2005, the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program has been implemented on more than 197,000 acres and helped thousands of landowners.
“Southern pine beetle activity is relatively low in Florida right now, but it can increase rapidly,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Awareness is key, and we want to help landowners improve the health and productivity of their pine forests.”
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, supported through a grant by the United States Forest Service, provides incentive payments for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and offers partial cost reimbursement for activities, such as prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine rather than the loblolly pine, the beetle’s preferred species. Qualified landowners can apply for up to two different practices per year, and funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
Visit FDACS.gov/SPBPrevention to learn more about the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Program or click here to obtain an application.
“Pine forests are an essential part of Florida’s ecosystem,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Helping landowners take preventative action significantly reduces the risk and impacts associated with the southern pine beetle and is critical to preserving the benefits that forests provide Floridians and visitors alike.”
Two Die In Fiery Crash Into Industrial Building
July 12, 2020
Two people will killed in fiery crash into a brick building in the Ellyson Industrial Park early Sunday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro crashed into a building housing Roofer’s Mart Southeast at 3175 Copter Road about 12:11 a.m.
The car and the building burst into flames following the collision.
The driver and passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene. Troopers have not yet been able to positively identify either victim.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing their investigation.
Four New Fire Trucks Delivered For Molino, Ensley And Two Other Escambia County Fire Stations
July 12, 2020
Four new fire engines ordered by Escambia County have been delivered to replace four aging trucks that have in excess of 100,000 miles each.
The trucks are undergoing some finishing touches before they are placed in service.
A new rescue engine will replace the 2003 model year front line engine assigned to the Molino Fire Station. A second rescue engine will replace a 2011 model front line engine assigned to the Ensley Fire Station.
A standard engine will replace the current 2004 model rescue engine at the Myrtle Grove Fire Station, and a squad engine will replace the current 2002 rescue engine at the Pleasant Grove Fire Station.
The four Pierce engines were purchased with Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds from Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Inc., for just over $2 million.
According to Ten-8, all four of the trucks have the same cab and pump house configurations to standardize the fleet. Each is designed for its response area and support for the entire county.
Each truck features:
- a 750 gallon tank
- a 1500 gpm pump
- a deck gun
- seating for five personnel for Florida hurricane deployments
- rear-forward facing crew cab seats that fold to permit better movement in and out of the cab for safety
- an EMS compartment in the crew area facing rearward above each front wheel so medical equipment can be accessed inside or outside the cab from the ground without entering the cab
- cargo netting with a single pull lanyard secures the EMS compartments
- a coated interior, vinyl seats, and headliner help with cab decontamination
- vertical exhaust keeps heat and emissions away from firefighters working around the apparatus.
- solid bright red paint to set ECFR apparatus apart from other departments in the area and improves visibility to the motorist
In addition to providing dependable, state-of-the-art equipment, having new engines under warranty will also decrease repair and maintenance costs which have increased significantly due to the aging fleet, the county said when the purchase was approved unanimously by the Escambia County Commission about a year ago.
The trucks were custom built from the ground up.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Over 21,000 Thousand Customers Impacted By Gulf Power Outage Saturday Night
July 12, 2020
Over 21,000 Gulf Power customers lost power across Escambia County Saturday night.
A large number of people that were left in the dark — and without air conditioning — were in the Cantonment area.
In Cantonment, the power went out during the eight o’clock hour and was restored before going out again for many people. Most had their power restored a final time by 10 p.m.
Gulf Power did not provide a reason for the failure.
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Traffic Delay Hotspots
July 12, 2020
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement- Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, July 12:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 29 Widening from Interstate 10 (I-10) to Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90)– The U.S. 29 bridge over Nine Mile Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15 as crews grind and groove the concrete bridge deck. All traffic will be diverted to the off-ramps at Nine Mile Road and use the on-ramps to return to U.S. 29. Also, drivers traveling Nine Mile Road at the U.S. 29 overpass, and U.S. 29 traffic between 1-10 and Nine & Half Mile Road may experience alternating lane shifts or closures as crews continue drainage and paving operations.
- Nine Mile Road (U.S. 90) Widening from Beulah Road to Pine Forest Road (State Road (S.R.) 297)- A portion of the I-10 off-ramp that connects to the Nine Mile Road (Exit 5) westbound remains closed. Drivers can continue to access Nine Mile Road east and westbound using the other section of the ramp. The partial ramp closure is needed to reconstruct the ramp.
- · U.S. 29 Resurfacing from south of Muscogee Road (County Road (C.R.) 184) to Atmore Highway (S.R. 97)- Motorists can expect intermittent daytime lane restrictions as crews continue construction activities at various locations. There will also be intermittent and alternating nighttime lane restriction at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Muscogee Road/Becks Lake Road.
- · Michigan Avenue (S.R. 296) at Mobile Highway and Memphis Avenue- Construction activities have begun on the safety improvements. The contractor will be working during daytime hours. Nighttime lane closures are possible.
- · Mobile Highway (U.S. 90) Intersection Improvements at New Warrington Road
(S.R. 295) – Construction activities are underway. Drivers can expect lane closures between 9:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Santa Rosa County:
- · Pensacola Bay Bridge Replacement - Bridge construction may require the following lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the week of Sunday, July 12:
o Intermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.
o Intermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).
- U.S. 98 Turn Lane Construction between Heritage Parkway and Braden Road- There will be eastbound lane restrictions from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 16 as crews pave a right turn lane in to the Medlin Preserve subdivision.
- S.R. 87 Resurfacing from Clear Creek to S.R. 4- Drivers can expect intermittent daytime lane closures along the 14-mile corridor through fall 2020 as crews continue paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Pavement Marking Operations from Avalon Boulevard (S.R. 281) to the Okaloosa County Line-Motorists can expect minor delays Sunday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Thursday, Aug. 27 as slow-moving vehicles are used to perform pavement marking operations.
No Injuries In Saturday Night Highway 29 Wreck
July 12, 2020
There were no injuries in a two vehicle crash Saturday night on Highway 29 at East Kingfield Road.
The crash happened about 8:40 p.m., about the time of a widespread power outage in the area. The wreck did not not cause the outage, but reports indicated that the outage and a non-working traffic signal may have contributed to the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated and has not released additional details.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
