Freire Charter School Wilmington

The power to build your future

Back to School 2020-21 Information

Updated August 7, 2020

Below you will find critical information for the 2020-2021 School Year. As we communicated earlier this week, we will begin the year 100% virtually. We will continue to assess all available information and guidelines in determining when to reopen the building. Any updates or changes will be communicated with families in a timely manner.

We have listened to the feedback given to us from parents and staff and used that to create a virtual learning program that is worthy of our students. Our virtual learning will consist of a combination of live virtual lessons, assignments that students will have to complete on their own, and live small group and individual tutoring sessions to best support students academically while still maintaining the same level of emotional supports we have always provided students. This program is detailed below.

Virtual Learning Schedule

Freire Wilmington will be starting this school year completely virtually, with students attending class online. We continue to be committed to ensuring a high level of learning and support regardless of where students are physically, and we are excited to share below the details of the daily schedule for students.

Overview of Student Daily Schedule

  • Our virtual learning model has an A Day and a B Day every other day, and this pattern repeats every school day Monday to Friday while we remain fully virtual. These A and B day schedules are shown in the table below.
  • Each day, students have time at 8:00 a.m. to work on any coursework and receive additional support.
  • At 9:00 a.m. all students are required to log in online and attend their short Advisory period using video.
  • Students will use live video conferencing to attend three of their classes each day. These online classes take place at 9:15 a.m., at 11:15 a.m., and at 1:15 p.m. every day.
    • On A Days, students will have their periods 1, 3, and 5 classes during the live online block.
    • On B Days, students will have their periods 2, 4, and 6 classes during the live online block.
  • When students are not attending live sessions during the school day, they are required to log in to Google Classroom and complete assigned coursework for the other three classes that are not held live via video that day (see schedule below).

Detailed Student Schedule – A Day vs. B Day

TimeA DayB Day
8:00 – 9:00 AMIndependent Coursework Time & Student Support TimeIndependent Coursework Time & Student Support Time
9:00 – 9:15 AMAttend Advisory Period Online (Zoom)Attend Advisory Period Online (Zoom)
9:15 – 10:00 AMPeriod 1: Attend Class Online (Zoom)Period 2: Attend Class Online (Zoom)
10:15 – 11:00 AMPeriod 2: Independent Coursework (Google Classroom)Period 1: Independent Coursework (Google Classroom)
11:15 AM – 12:00 PMPeriod 3: Attend Class Online (Zoom)Period 4: Attend Class Online (Zoom)
12:00 – 12:30 PMLunchLunch
12:30 – 1:15 PMPeriod 4: Independent Coursework (Google Classroom)Period 3: Independent Coursework (Google Classroom)
1:15 – 2:00 PMPeriod 5: Attend Class Online (Zoom)Period 6: Attend Class Online (Zoom)
2:15 – 3:00 PMPeriod 6: Independent Coursework (Google Classroom)Period 5: Independent Coursework (Google Classroom)
3:00 – 4:00 PMAfter School Activities (Zoom)After School Activities (Zoom)

Daily Schedule Summary

In summary, the easiest way to remember this schedule is that students are required to attend class online using video conferencing at the following four times every single day, Monday to Friday:

  • 9:00 Advisory
  • 9:15 Period 1 course (A Day) or Period 2 course (B Day)
  • 11:15 Period 3 course (A Day) or Period 4 course (B Day)
  • 1:15 Period 5 course (A Day) or Period 6 course (B Day)

At the other times (in the table above), students are expected to log in and complete the coursework for their other periods in Google Classroom.

Additional 2020-21 Information

Attendance

Attendance will be taken every day during Advisory (9:00-9:15) and again during the 3 online classes during the day (at 9:15, 11:15, and 1:15). Students are expected to be present for all online classes. If a student is not present for any session, parents will receive a call from a member of our team.

Instruction

We understand how difficult a shift to 100% virtual learning will be for both students and families. Our schedule has been crafted to balance the educational needs of the student, while also allowing some flexibility. Our teachers have been working tirelessly to create engaging and meaningful lessons for virtual learning. We will be incorporating more interactive learning applications, breakout rooms for group work and conversation, and more. We know students, now more than ever, need rigorous engaging instruction to close any learning gaps caused by COVID-19.

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.

Calendar

As a result of some of the shifts we have had to make with our instruction, our calendar has shifted slightly. All students will begin on Monday, August 24th. Student Orientation sessions will take place during the first week of school. Student schedules will be distributed during the designated material pick-up times.

Materials and Technology Pick-Up

Families must pick up important materials and technology at our building between the hours of 12:00-6:00 p.m. on the designated dates below:

  • Wednesday, August 19th: 8th and 10th Grade
  • Thursday, August 20th: 9th and 11th Grade
  • Friday, August 21st: 12th Grade

Please note, we will be limiting the number of people in the building at the same time and students and families must wear a face covering.

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. 

Food Services

Students will continue to be able to receive both breakfast and lunch. Over 24 designated meal distribution locations will be available throughout New Castle County where students can pick up meals daily. Additional details will be shared.

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.

School Leader Town Hall

We anticipate families and students will have many questions about this upcoming school year, and we are here to provide answers and support you in navigating virtual learning. Please join our school leaders, Maddie Weckel and Nate Durant, for a Town Hall Q&A session via Zoom on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, August 11th at 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday, August 19th at 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 20th at 7:00 PM

RSVP to madeline.weckel@freirewilmington.org for the Zoom link.

Thank you for being our partners in education as we plan for a safe, healthy, and engaging fall. We will have more updates in the coming weeks, so please check your email and the Freire Wilmington website regularly.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and please stay safe by wearing a mask and keeping your distance when out in public.

Reopening Plan

With safety as our number one guiding principle, Freire Wilmington has decided that ALL students will start the 2020-2021 school year from the safety of their homes in a fully virtual learning model.

At this time, the State of Delaware has asked individual schools and school districts to use their discretion as to whether to offer in-person instruction or fully at-home instruction this fall. Given the information that is currently available regarding coronavirus safety, we have decided to proceed with the most cautious approach possible, and to begin the school year with all students learning at home.

Please know we have listened to the feedback given to us from parents and staff and used that to create a virtual learning program that is worthy of our students.

Our hope is that when conditions improve, our students are back in our physical building. Again, safety for our entire community – students, staff, and our family partners like you – is our guiding principle on reopening our physical building to students. We will constantly assess current guidelines and data in determining when to reopen the building.

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.

Free Student Meals

As of March 27, adult family members may now pick up meals for children who live in their home. The child no longer has to be present. Additionally, please check the meal availability schedule as many pick up sites are now only open certain days of the week. The Community Education Building will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and giving out two days of meals. A “to go” breakfast and lunch may be picked up in the lobby of the Community Education building, located at 1200 N French Street, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Many other locations are also available. Please click here for a full list of meal distribution sites. 

We thank you for your commitment to our school and community and we will continue to work to ensure our students and families have what they need, even in the face of life’s many challenges. Be safe, be well, and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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.