VHS Parent Update 8/4/2020

Dear Viera Families,

We are looking forward to welcoming our families back to Viera High School for the 2020-2021 school year.  We are committed to academic excellence for ALL of our students, even during a global pandemic!  We have been working hard this summer to prepare our campus and have implemented many changes to make our campus safer for our staff and students. 

Registration will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 and Thursday, August 13, 2020.  We will be conducting a drive thru registration in order to serve our families safely.  Please arrive during your designated registration date and time only.  In order to expedite the process, all families are asked to bring copies of two proofs of residency within Viera High School boundaries.  Please also ensure that you have emailed your completed registration packet to VieraHigh@brevardschools.org.  Registration packets can be accessed here: https://www.brevardschools.org/Page/16855

Registration Dates & Times By Grade Level

In order to reduce wait times, we have divided the times by last name and encourage our families to only come on their designated date and time. 

  • August 12, 2020
    • 9th Grade – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
      • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Last Names A-F
      • 9:00 -10:00 AM – Last Names- G-M
      • 10:00-11:00 AM – Last Names – N-S
      • 11:00-12:00 PM – Last Names – T-Z
    • 10th Grade – 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
      • 12:00-1:00 PM – Last Names - A-F
      • 1:00-2:00 PM – Last Names - G-M
      • 2:00-3:00 PM- Last Names - N-S
      • 3:00-4:00 PM – Last Names - T-Z
  • August 13, 2020
    • 11th Grade – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
      • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Last Names A-F
      • 9:00 -10:00 AM – Last Names- G-M
      • 10:00-11:00 AM – Last Names – N-S
      • 11:00-12:00 PM – Last Names – T-Z
    • 12th Grade - 12:00 - 4:00 PM
      • 12:00-1:00 PM – Last Names - A-F
      • 1:00-2:00 PM – LAst Names - G-M
      • 2:00-3:00 PM- Last Names - N-S
      • 3:00-4:00 PM – Last Names - T-Z

Important Items to Bring to Registration

Registration will take place in the front parking lot of Viera High School.  It will include:   a proof of residency station (required to proceed), a fee station (fees are $4 and can be paid with cash or check), and include a schedule distribution station.  Please ensure you arrive with all needed items (2 proofs of residency, completed registration packet (if you have not already submitted it) & $4 (cash or check)).  Students without proofs of residency or fees will be unable to proceed to the schedule station.  A bus station will be set up in the bus loop behind the school for any students planning to ride the bus.  Families may proceed to this station after they have completed the registration process. 

New Safety Measures / Changes due to COVID

This year, Viera High School will be operating on a block bell schedule. Students will take four classes each semester.  Please ensure you have completed our Enrollment Selection Survey so we can continue to plan for your student's schedule:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=LGaFrd9pi0iFpI7ChwIywFiznhqtk8JNiNakLNTcq4xUQTM4VlBIMEdDUEUwUlpLQlRVSjVLTEtWQS4u

A video from Dr. Soliven discussing the options available can be viewed here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azJr_Bnplkc&feature=youtu.be

Below is a list of some of the new safety measures we will be implementing this year.

  • Increased our dining capacity for breakfast and lunch with additional seating in the cafeteria, outdoors, and purchased additional tables and benches.  We have decreased the amount of students that will sit at each table.
  • We will implement one way stairs and breezeways and marked off hallways.
  • We have increased cleaning and will provide cleaning supplies to our teachers and staff.
  • All teachers and staff will be provided with a mask. 
  • When social distancing cannot be adhered to, it is required that students, staff, visitors, and vendors wear a face covering.
  • During preplanning teachers will remove all extraneous furniture and clutter from classrooms to allow for more distancing.
  • Desks will be turned in the same direction, tables will be seated so that students are not facing each other.
  • Hallway traffic patterns will be modified to minimize face-to-face interaction.
  • Plexi-glass barriers have been placed in appropriate offices and reception areas.
  • Water fountains will be restricting their use to the filling of water bottles or cups.
  • Additional PPE, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products have been purchased and will be provided to staff for classroom and office use.
  • VHS custodians have been trained in cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
  • Lockers will not be utilized.
  • HVAC filters have been changed. Air conditioning will run before and after building occupancy for additional air circulation.
  • We will be modifying our school schedule to minimize congregation in communal areas before and after school. In order to minimize student interaction before and after school, students will only be permitted to arrive on campus at 8:15 AM, thirty minutes prior to the beginning of first period, unless they have received prior permission from a staff member and are with that staff member.  Students will be released in a staggered fashion at the end of the day to allow for less congregating after school.
  • Students that are sick are encouraged to stay home.  Students who are kept home by parents or school officials for health-related reasons will be considered excused.  Students who are ill should prioritize their health- the school will support individual circumstances with an academic plan.
  • Visitors in school are limited to the parents and legal guardians for the purpose of:  registering your student, attending requested school meetings, or checking in or out students.  Authorized visitors are required to wear masks when social distance cannot be maintained or upon request of a school employee.  Non-essential visitors and volunteers will not be permitted on school campuses. 
  • Parents may not drop off items for student pick up that are not medically or academically required. This includes student lunches. If a student forgot their lunch or doesn’t have one, our cafeteria staff will be able to provide this to your student.
  • Thermometers are available for use. Teachers will have the option of using a touchless thermometer, following guidelines established by the district, to screen students prior to entering the classroom
  • All instructional staff will be trained in Trauma Informed/Compassion Fatigue during preplanning
  • Students will use hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting a classroom. Hand sanitizer will also be available in common spaces where there are not sinks, such as  the gym or cafeteria.
  • These guidelines will be reconsidered throughout the year based on prevailing conditions:  field trips will not be authorized, chorus programs or lessons with singing must occur outdoors, PE classes will not dress out, students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, no assemblies, and parent nights will continue virtually.

We look forward to continuing to serve our student and families with excellence. 

It’s going to be a year unlike any other, but it’s going to be a great year!

Go Hawks!

Sincerely,

Sarah Robinson, Principal

Viera High School