DISTRICT NEWS
RETURN TO SCHOOL
We will be providing additional updates as that information becomes available through direct communication to families, our BCPS website, YouTube channel, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter).
Click here for Return to School Information Webpage - New FAQs added on 11/10/20 under Health & Safety regarding Contact Tracing.
Bedford County Public Schools: Contact Tracing
What is Contact Tracing?
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
New Guidance Regarding Face Coverings - Beginning 11/18/20
On Friday, November 13, 2020, Governor Northam issued an amendment to Executive Order 63 (EO-63), which updates face covering requirements in Virginia. This morning we received additional guidance from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) about the specific application of EO-63 in public schools.
Based on EO-63 and this new guidance from VDOE, Bedford County Public Schools will now require that face coverings be worn at all times in indoor school settings for all individuals age 5 or older, with the following exceptions:
- While eating or drinking
- While exercising or using exercise equipment
- While playing a musical instrument, when wearing a mask or face covering would inhibit the playing of the instrument (e.g. wind instrument), if at least 10 feet of physical distancing can be maintained from other persons, whether the rehearsal or performance is indoors or outdoors.
- Any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance
- Any person seeking to communicate with the hearing impaired and for which the mouth needs to be visible
- When temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to secure government, or medical services
- Persons with health conditions or disabilities that prohibit wearing a face covering
Please also note:
- Nothing in EO-63 shall require the use of a face covering by any person for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition. Adaptations and alternatives for individuals with health conditions or disabilities should be considered whenever possible to increase the feasibility of wearing a mask or to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading if it is not possible to wear one.
- Any person who declines to wear a face covering because of a medical condition shall not be required to produce or carry medical documentation verifying the stated condition nor shall the person be required to identify the precise underlying medical condition.
We realize that EO-63 represents a change from our current practices, and we will be spending time during the days and weeks ahead helping our learners understand these new expectations, as well as the rationale for the decision. Thank you in advance for helping us implement this new requirement and for all that you are doing to keep our schools safe.
Bedford County Public Schools still remains closed to the public, but essential appointments for registration can be made by calling your child's school between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has developed a parent resource on how to talk about COVID-19 with your child. The CDC provides daily updates and health-related guidance in regards to COVID-19 if further information is needed for your family.
COVID-19 and Your Mental Health Infographic
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH
Bedford County Public Schools has initiated its search for a new Superintendent. To counsel us through this important process, we have retained the services of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), a consulting firm that specializes in assisting Boards with the consideration of candidates for this position.
After receiving input from students, parents/guardians, employees, and community members, HYA has compiled the following documents in response to the feedback.
BCPS Leadership Profile Report Summary
BCPS Leadership Profile Report
Survey Results
STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Student registration for the 2020-2021 school year with Bedford County Public Schools is open.
New Students - Click here to register
Returning Students - Click here to register
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Apply online for free preschool for the 2020-2021 school year. Please use the link Preschool & Kindergarten Information page to access further information and follow the directions provided on the web page to complete and submit the electronic application. Click here for Informational Flyer about applying for preschool.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Any child who is five years old on or before September 30, 2020 may enter Kindergarten.
There are two steps to registering.
1. Register your child online using one of the following links.
New Kindergarten students who have never been in BCPS before:
https://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx…
Previous BCPS Preschool and Head Start students who will be moving up to Kindergarten: https://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx…
2. Provide the required documentation by making an appointment with your child’s school office.
Documents needed for Kindergarten registration:
- Birth Certificate
- Updated physical
- Record of immunizations
- Proof of residency (copy of mortgage, lease, or real estate tax statement)
Appointments must be made to ensure social distancing. Anyone with an appointment should wear a mask when entering the school offices. There will only be one family in the office at a time. For additional information, please contact your child’s school.
School contact information can be found at http://bedford.sharpschool.net/schools.
SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM MEAL SERVICE UPDATES
Media Release - School Meals Free for all Children
Meal Service Update Letter
School Nutrition Program Frequently Asked Questions
ONLINE MEAL APPLICATION
Free and Reduced Price Meals are available to families who believe they may qualify. You will be notified by mail of your child's status. Only complete one application per family. To submit an application online, click the button below.
ANGEL FUND DONATIONS
Would you like to help support the feeding needs of students in Bedford County Public Schools? Click the button below to donate to the Angel Fund Account at a school of your choice. Thank you in advance for making a difference in a child’s life!
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE
School Cash Online is a safe, simple and secure way for parents to pay for field trips, yearbooks, spirit wear, athletic fees and more. No need to take out cash or write checks, now you can shop online from the comfort of your own home. Click on the Register Now icon below, then click on Register.
Click here for Intro to School Cash Online video
Click here for School Cash Online - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in PDF format
BUDGET INFORMATION
Click here for budget information
SCHOOL BOARD INFORMATION
The Bedford County School Board will have a special called meeting on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the School Board Office conference room located at 311 South Bridge Street, Bedford, VA. The purpose of this meeting is for consideration of an interim superintendent.
This meeting will be closed to the public. The public is encouraged to watch the open portions at the beginning and end of the meeting via live stream on our YouTube channel. Tune in at 6:30 p.m.
BCPS YouTube channel link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvIyLnQJ8uBXH9Y36C9uvw
BoardDocs, BCPS School Board Meeting Management System link:
http://bedford.sharpschool.net/departments/school_board/BoardDocs/
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