Freire Charter School Wilmington

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

Updated March 31, 2021

Resources for Families

Hybrid Learning Program

We are excited to announce that Freire Charter School Wilmington will be expanding its in-person learning and launching a full hybrid-learning program on Monday, April 26.  After reading the details of our new in-person learning program below, please take a moment to complete the In-Person Learning Interest Survey.

Complete the In-Person Learning Interest Survey

Program Details

  • The in-person learning program is open to all students, but participation is optional.
  • Students who opt into this program will attend in-person learning at our school two days a week from 7:45 AM to 12:30 PM.
  • Based on the cohort your child is assigned to, they will attend school in-person on either Monday/Tuesday OR Thursday/Friday.
  • Wednesdays will be a remote virtual learning day for all students.
  • On days when they are not in the building, students will Zoom into live classes being taught to other students in the building.
  • Students electing to remain all virtual will also Zoom into live classes being taught to other students in the building from 7:45 AM to 12:30 PM. This is a change from the current virtual schedule.

Program Schedule

  • Monday
    • Group 1: in-person at the school
    • Group 2 and Virtual Group: at home and fully virtual
  • Tuesday
    • Group 1: in-person at the school
    • Group 2 and Virtual Group: at home and fully virtual
  • Wednesday
    • All groups at home and fully virtual
  • Thursday
    • Group 2: in-person at the school
    • Group 1 and Virtual Group: at home and fully virtual
  • Friday
    • Group 2: in-person at the school
    • Group 1 and Virtual Group: at home and fully virtual

Please note that, based on family demand and the ever-evolving COVID-19 climate, we may be able to increase the number of days students can attend in person learning. But our current priority is to make in-person learning available safely to as many of our kids as possible.

To register your interest in your child attending this program, please complete the In-Person Learning Interest Survey.

Complete the In-Person Learning Interest Survey

Safety Protocols

We have developed comprehensive safety protocols to minimize risk for our students and staff, which include:

  • Student and staff temperatures will be checked daily upon entry to the building by thermal imaging camera.
  • Everyone in the building, including students, will be required to wear a mask at all times. Masks must be worn properly, fully covering the nose and mouth. New recommendations include using a filter in your mask or double-masking. Masks will be available at the school if needed.
  • Students will not be permitted to bring food and beverages to school with one exception — students are encouraged to bring a water bottle, from which they will be able to drink in designated spaces in the school.
  • Students will not have meals in the building. A grab and go lunch will be available to kids as they leave, along with breakfast for the next day.
  • Students will be seated 6 feet apart from one another and must maintain social distancing throughout the day, both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be available at key locations throughout the building, including in every classroom.
  • Door handles to classrooms, offices, bathrooms, and lobby will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
  • Students must remain in their designated area of the building and use only the bathrooms closest to their classroom.
  • Parents must sign a consent form before their child returns to in person learning, which includes health and exposure screening questions they are to ask their child daily. Students who respond “yes,” are to report their symptoms to the school and ask their doctor if a COVID-19 test is recommended.
  • Parents/guardians are obligated to inform the school if a student has tested positive or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and attended school in-person while potentially contagious.
  • In the event of any case of COVID-19 in the school, we will inform our entire school community and ensure that all potentially exposed students and staff are able to quarantine.
  • Air quality has always been a priority for our school. Unrelated to COVID-19, we replaced our two HVAC units with upgraded models in July. Our HVAC systems receive unit filter changes and sanitization at least four times a year and are frequently serviced to ensure they work properly. As an added layer of protection, we have installed MERV-13 filters and are preparing to install ionizers in the near future. We now keep our air circulating 24 hours a day, instead of just when our heat or air conditioning turns on.

Our decision to reopen our building to more students was not made lightly. But, Delaware has seen a steady decline in COVID-19 infections, percent of positive PCR tests, and average daily hospitalizations. More and more staff members are getting vaccinated daily and are on target to get second doses by mid April. Research about transmission of COVID in schools is reassuring. And, our in-person small group supports have been a fantastic experience and allowed us to ensure our new safety protocols are strong.

All of this gives us hope that brighter days are ahead and confidence that the time has come to open up in-person learning to all our students who wish to return to the building.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the In-Person Learning Interest Survey. And thank you for being such vital partners in education during a challenging time. The entire Freire Charter School Wilmington staff cannot wait to see our kids in person at the end of April.

Complete the In-Person Learning Interest Survey

Food Services

Freire Wilmington is excited to announce expanded meal delivery service beginning Monday, September 28. In conjunction with the CEB (Community Education Building) and Lehane’s Bus Services, we will now be able to provide meal deliveries directly to your home. Current hub meal stops will continue until further notice. All deliveries will need to be pre-ordered.  Place your order by clicking here.

After signing up for meal service ONCE, families will continue to receive meals each week until a request to stop delivery is made by the family. Please click here for more information and detailed instructions on how to sign up. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Additional 2020-21 Information

Student Services

We remain committed to best serving our students with individualized education programs and 504 plans through inclusion and small group learning opportunities. Co-taught classes, with both a general education and special education teacher, as well as small group instruction will be provided in alignment with students’ individualized plans. Related services will continue virtually including Social and Emotional Supports. Please reach out to our Director of Student Services, Ms. Deb (Deb.Seyler@freirewilmington.org), with any questions.

Communication

During this time, it is critical that we are able to communicate easily with both students and parents in order to share important updates and information. We are committed to working in partnership with our families, as allies, to provide the best education possible to your students. If your contact information changes at any time during the school year, please notify Ms. Lia (elia.butcher@freirewilmington.org).

In addition to email and phone communications, please follow the directions below to receive class specific and schoolwide text messages and updates via the Remind app:

  • 8th Grade: Text “@fcsw2025” to the number 81010
  • 9th Grade: Text “@fcsw2024” to the number 81010
  • 10th Grade: Text “@fcsw2023” to the number 81010
  • 11th Grade: Text “@fcsw2022” to the number 81010
  • 12th Grade: Text “@fcsw2021” to the number 81010

You can also choose to download the Remind app on a mobile device and “join a class” by using the code for your student’s grade.

Technology for Returning Students

Students who were enrolled last school year should make sure their Chromebooks are functioning for the upcoming school year. If you are experiencing any technology related issues, please contact our IT team at techsupport@freirecharterschool.org or call 302-482-4520.

Please remember that this computer is Freire property, and students should not assume privacy when using them. We can and may monitor usage and files remotely. This computer is intended solely for educational use, and students/parents are not permitted to load any software/apps on this computer or uninstall any software that is on it. All school rules, policies, and procedures that apply to students in school apply while using the laptop and it is not permissible to engage in illegal activity while using this computer, including harassment and cyberbullying. 

Racial Justice

This summer, members of our community participated in 5 discussion groups centered around the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. The conversations and discussions have been meaningful and a beginning to the significant and sustained work we need to do as a community to realize our goal of being a 100% anti-racist school network. We have recently interviewed and vetted several professional groups to help us in our efforts, and we are in negotiations with a group that we believe would be the best partner for us in the critical work we must do in 2020-21. We will provide you with more details and opportunities for involvement in the near future.

I need help accessing Google Classroom or my Chromebook!

COVID-19 Updates

You can find an active count of the reported cases in DE, as well as up-to-date information on how the Division of Public Health is responding to this health crisis here: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/

Please check your email regularly for important updates and information from Freire Wilmington! If you are not currently signed up for Freire’s weekly newsletter emails, please click here to sign up.

Staying Safe

While your student(s) remains home, we encourage you to continue practicing good hygiene, which includes:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Get vaccinated for the flu is you have not already
  • Don’t shake hands or high five – consider a friendly toe tap or elbow bump

If you feel for any reason your child may have or has been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your doctor immediately. Virus symptoms can range from mild to severe and could include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in a few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

We will remain in close contact with the State of Delaware and local public health officials throughout the duration of this closure and will provide updates to families as appropriate.

We encourage you to stay informed of the situation by regularly checking updates from Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

We understand this is a time of uncertainty and concern. We will work through this together to keep our students, families, and staff safe.

If you have health-related questions, please contact the Coronavirus hotline at 1-866-408-1899 OR your family physician. If you have questions about our school, please contact Mr. Paul. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

See below for more information about the virus and how you can prevent spreading illness:

What are the symptoms?

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

How does it spread?

  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet)
    • Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possible be inhaled into the lungs
  • Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

How can you help protect yourself and others?

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g. doorknobs, tables, light switches, cell phones, keyboards, etc.)
  • If you are sick, stay home until your fever is gone for 24 hours
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
  • Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze – and wash your hands after
  • Avoid putting fingers in your mouth, ears, or eyes

If you plan on traveling in the next few weeks, please refer to the CDC’s page on travel guidance and advice.

The Delaware Division of Public Health has opened a call center to take questions from the public, schools, medical providers, state agencies and community organizations. Hours of operation will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The call center number is 1-866-408-1899. Individuals can also submit email questions to DPHCall@delaware.gov

We remain hopeful that COVID-19 does not cause an emergency for the Freire Schools community. We will continue to monitor the recommendations from state and local authorities and will update you with any changes.

More Resources

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out.