Our ACPS Guiding Principles for Reopening Since March 2020, eight principles have guided and informed decision-making and planning for reopening our schools. Subsequently, throughout this 6.0 reopening planning process, we have included a ninth, new principle centered on the critical role of social and emotional supports for students and staff. As we worked with various internal and external stakeholders, the principles have enabled us to focus on instruction, coordination, collaboration, trust, flexibility, communication, technology, and others' inclusion in the reopening process. The following principles provide the foundation of the work that occurred in the school division as well as the efforts going forward. Figure 2 Nine Guiding Principles Used for Reopening Schools
1. Increase Equitable Access to Improve Learning Outcomes for All Students: Through the use of data and progress monitoring, schools will use resources, time, and support to help students progress, including monitoring and addressing any learning loss that may have occurred as a result of school closings. 2. Ensure the Voices of Students, Parents, and Families Are Heard: The 6.0 reopening Playbook includes feedback and recommendations from key stakeholder groups, including students, parents, and families. 3. Study Lessons Learned and Data for Preparation and Execution: Strategic efforts will be implemented to learn from other school divisions, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other research related to reopening. 4. Continue to Value and Strengthen Community/Partner Collaboration and Coordination: The school division will continue to provide reopening updates and seek input from Thought Partners, city officials, and other groups as well as ensuring alignment with city, state, and national protocols. 5. Incorporate Social and Emotional Supports for Students and Staff Every Day: The school division will continue to implement social, emotional, and academic learning supports and services for all students to meet their needs. The school division will prioritize “connection
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