FMS 20-21 Restart Information

Click here to open the meeting video in a new window if it will not load. 

Click here to open the slides only in a new window for text to speech compatibility.

• When will 6th graders get a laptop?

We are in the process of finalizing our plan for 6th grade devices. More info will come out soon.

 

• How will 6th graders with no technology be treated for grades/attendance?

We will be coming out with a plan to get devices to 6th graders in need. We are waiting on another shipment, and will communicate our plan soon. During hybrid, teachers will work with students for paper copies if no technology is available. However, our goal is to have students zoom, if at all possible. Zoom can be done on cell phones, and there is a Canvas phone app. We will work with students with no technology on attendance as well. “Choice” students should have technology.

 

• What is the quarantine policy?

Students who test positive or are considered a “close contact” (within six feet for 15 minutes or longer, with or without a mask”) will be required to quarantine for 14 days.  Administration will use contact tracing to identify students who are close contacts and will notify parents.  Those students who are “group contacts” (not within six feet for 15 minutes or longer, with or without a mask) will not be required to quarantine, but will be alerted to keep watch for symptoms. 

 

• What if my internet can’t handle multiple kids at home zooming/working online at once? 

We are aware of access challenges. Teachers will give guidance to students on what to do if they lose connection during class-such as emailing the teacher. We will work through those issues as best as possible during hybrid. Communication will be important. During in-person meetings, students can make teachers aware of spotty internet service, or students/parents can email teachers with concerns, and we will accommodate as much as possible. 

 

• If a Choice student enrolls in-person after the first 9 weeks, can they participate in sports?

If the season has already begun, no. If the season has not yet started, they may tryout for the team, provided all regular sports procedures are followed (physicals, drug forms, etc.).

 

• Where is band meeting? 

Band will meet temporarily in the auditorium, until the new band hall is completed. Band students will meet the director(s) in the cafeteria at the start of each block, and walk over as a class. 

 

• Will students change classes, or will teachers move? 

Students will change classes because schedules vary so much at the secondary school level.

 

• Will Choice students follow the same A/B day schedule as everyone else? 

Yes. Whether on the hybrid model now or the traditional model later, they will follow the A/B calendar everyone else does. 

 

• How do I sign-in to PowerSchool?

Please contact angela.errington@rcsd.ms or dcopeland@rcsd.ms to get the information you need to set your account up.  You may call them at the school, as well, at 601-845-2862. 

 

• What supplies should I send since students won’t use lockers?

 The FMS page (https://fms.rcsd.ms/) has school supplies posted.

 

• Will students have to carry all their books since lockers are no longer allowed? 

Students need their supplies/materials for the classes they will see each day, so that will be A or B day classes, not all classes. For several years now, most teachers have in-class or online resources, rather than assigning hardback textbooks, so backpacks should not be heavy. Math books are assigned, but they are paperback and divided into 2 volumes.

 

• Can you post the bell schedule? 

It’s on the FMS page, https://fms.rcsd.ms/.

 

• Will students wear masks in band?

Band will be spread out in the auditorium, so there will be occasions where they can remove their masks as their instruments require.

 

• What is the plan for handling students bringing their own lunch to school? 

They will walk to the cafeteria with their classmates and teacher, then everyone will return to the classroom to eat.

 

• Where can I get the free/reduced lunch form? 

Visit www.rcsd.ms for the forms. We have it at the bottom/center of our home page, as well-https://fms.rcsd.ms/.   Paper copies may be available by contacting the main office at 601-845-2862. 

 

• My student has issues logging into zoom. What do they do? 

If it’s a school laptop, visit rcsd.ms, choose “technology” from the “departments” option. On the left, choose “help desk” and an option for “tech support for students” will be in the center of the page. Submit that request for support. 

*Note: We have tech team support on campus for students who will be on-campus. Choice students do not have to contact the school tech team before completing the form.

 

• Can masks be taken off in class? 

Due to the Governor’s latest order, masks must be worn at all times inside the building or on the bus. 

 

• Will students wear a mask at P.E. while outside?

Students will be required to wear a mask when meeting in groups and when not doing physical activity in PE or when completing health lessons.  When conducting physical activity, coaches will follow social distancing protocol and students may remove their mask during the physical activity only. 

 

• My child has asthma and can’t wear a mask. What are our options?

According to district guidelines, students must have doctor’s documentation for any mask changes.  Parents must communicate with administration and provide medical documentation before school begins. 

 

• Is there an option to continue Hybrid online? 

Full-time online (Choice) or following the traditional or hybrid directions given by RCSD are the only two options. If we go back to traditional, students not enrolled in Choice will be expected to come to school. We will be on hybrid until August 31st, and will get guidance from RCSD by then. 

 

• When do I get a 7th grade laptop?

Friday, August 14th between 8 and 10am or 4-6pm

 

• What if I can’t get there on the 14th for the 7th grade rollout?

You need to contact the main office. 

 

• What if all my paperwork isn’t submitted, can I still get a 7th grade laptop?

We do have to have all paperwork before a laptop is issued. 

 

• How will teachers/FMS send notes home to parents?

We will continue communicating pertinent information through our usual sources-email, Facebook, Twitter, Swift K12, and https://fms.rcsd.ms/. Parents can also sign up for class information on Canvas for their student’s different classes.

 

• Will doctor’s excuses be required for sick days (including COVID)?

We are still held accountable for student attendance, so we will need documentation for student absences. We will continue to follow RCSD attendance policies.  However, we do need notification from parent (either by calling the school or bringing in doctor’s documentation) if your child tests positive for COVID. 

 

• Can parents walk students in on day 1? 

Sorry, but no. We are in the hybrid mode to limit the flow of people as much as possible, so only students will enter. Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of them!

 

• Can we get a campus map? 

For security reasons, we’ve been asked not to share maps online. Signs will be posted directing students to classes from the start, and adults will help guide them. 

 

• Where is the car rider line?

 It circles right in front of the main building. You will enter from the College Street/Earl Clark intersection next to the cyclone (and black) fence.

 

• What time will my bus arrive at my house?

We can’t answer that for every student. On day 1, be outside early, so you don’t miss the bus! Elementary buses will come by as well, so if unsure of which bus to ride, tell them you’re a middle schooler before boarding. Middle schoolers ride the bus with the high school students, not the elementary.  When you get to school, make sure you know your bus number before you get off. We’ll help everyone loading in the afternoons, but it helps if you know your bus number from the morning.

 

• How do students know to login on day 1?

Choice/Hybrid students should login to Canvas every block A-day class on Monday, starting at 7:50 and continuing for the entire bell schedule.  Students will login to Canvas and choose the class for the period they are in. Your zoom link will be near the top of the page.

 

• Will students be given a new (paper) schedule for the first day?

All students who are in person on day one and two will go directly to their first block class and will receive a new paper schedule.  Students and parents may also look online at Powerschool for the most updated schedule.  

 

• Are students going to have to zoom at the start of class, for the whole class?

Students will be expected to login at the start of class. Some teachers will keep zoom active the entire block, or they may assign something online and allow students to leave the zoom before the block ends. It will depend on the teacher and the particular content to be covered in a lesson. Teachers will be clear about their expectations each time the student logs in to their Zoom.

 

• How will students know the time to zoom? 

They follow their class schedule and the bell schedule.

 

• Where will baseball players store equipment this year?

We will communicate that to coaches, who will tell players. As construction projects are completed, we’ll have more options than we do today, so we’ll make that decision closer to the season.

 

• Can we bring flavor packets for water bottles?

Yes. 

 

• Will students be counted absent if they are at home sick, but login to their classes?

No. 

 

Week One at Florence Middle School Cohort 1(C-1)=Last names A-K               Cohort 2(C-2)=Last names L-Z
Monday, A-Day August 17	Tuesday, B-Day August 18	Wednesday, A-Day August 19	Thursday, B-Day August 20	Friday, A-Day August 21
C-1 at FMS C-2 zoom/canvas	C-2 at FMS C-1 zoom/canvas	All students virtual for A-Day classes	C-1 at FMS C-2 zoom/canvas	C-2 at FMS C-1 zoom/canvas
Week Two at Florence Middle School Cohort 1(C-1)=Last names A-K               Cohort 2(C-2)=Last names L-Z
Monday, B-Day August 24	Tuesday, A-Day August 25	Wednesday, B-Day August 26	Thursday, A-Day August 27	Friday, B-Day August 28
C-1 at FMS C-2 zoom/canvas	C-2 at FMS C-1 zoom/canvas	All students virtual for A-Day classes	C-1 at FMS C-2 zoom/canvas	C-2 at FMS C-1 zoom/canvas

For help installing Zoom for students, see these video guides from RCSD Instructional Technology's YouTube channel-

 

RCSD Parents Guide to Zoom (MacBooks): Video

RCSD Parents Guide to Zoom (Android): Video

RCSD Parents Guide to Zoom (iOS): Video

RCSD Parents Guide to Zoom (PC/Windows): Video