Will Kids Be Taking the School Bus This Fall Semester?
That’s a good question. However, it looks like the answer is no. At least for Anne Arundel County students this fall semester. According to the school superintendent, the school year will start out virtually. This is going to be a big change for families.
As a company that has provided student transportation in Anne Arundel for decades, we want to continue to help where we can. That is why we have done some research to put together a guide for parents. Some of these resources can be found at aacps.org. Others, we have gathered so you can have them all in one place. We hope this helps.
2020 Fall Semester Resources
School Schedules – Follow this link to download schedules for students and teachers. You’ll notice virtual classes start at 9:00 am for all grades. Also consistent across all grades, is the change of schedule on Wednesdays. Classes end early on these days and have more flexibility for the student to choose what they want to focus on.
School Supplies – Backpacks with learning supplies will be provided for PreK to 5th-grade students. AACPS is providing all the tools your student will need, so no additional supplies need to be purchased. School principals will be reaching out to the families and providing directions for picking up the students’ backpacks. To learn more about the school supplies provided, click here.
Technology – The two most important things necessary to facilitate virtual learning is the internet and a learning device. That is why AACPS is working to help families who still need an internet connection. If this is something you need, follow these steps to get internet access in your home. In addition, if you don’t have a laptop or not enough for your children to all learn at the same time, fill out this Chromebook Survey online.
Distance Learning Tips
This is new territory for all parents. No matter the age or grade, there are obstacles for all of us, and our students. To help make the best of this unfamiliar environment, here are some tips we found from educators, parents, and students that might help:
- Create a dedicated learning space. This could be the kitchen table or an office desk. No matter where it is, try to make it free from distractions.
- Talk to your kids about digital safety. As students will be spending more time online than previous years, this is crucial to their health and well-being.
- Establish a routine. Much like a regular school year, it’s good to set expectations. Waking up, getting dressed, making their beds, and even putting together a lunch can help them (and you).
- Don’t be too strict with downtime. Focus on what they can do during flextime and before/after classes by providing them a list of options to choose from.
- Monitor their screen time. There are laptops, tablets, and smartphones – a lot of ways kids will be trying to learn and connect. It is also important to keep an eye on what they are doing (or not doing).
- Be real with your work. This isn’t just you, everyone is having to figure this out. Talk with your boss or employer about contingencies or possible issues with your schedule that may occur.
- Take a deep breath. Give yourself grace and patience. You have so much to balance with everyday life. It’s important to take a break and remember you are doing your best.
You Got This
In all, just know you aren’t in this alone. This is completely new to many of us. Communication is key in all of this – communication with your family, the teachers, your work, and even your friends (because we all need to vent!). If you have any additional resources you would like to share, let us know! It’s always great to help each other out where we can.
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