Coronavirus Update
- Norfolk Health Metrics
- 2020-2021 NPS Reopening Plan
- Norfolk Public Schools’ Child-Care Plan for Fall 2020
- Health Mitigation Plan for Phase 3
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Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter December 20, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter October 28, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, October 2, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, August 17, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, July 17, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, June 15, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, May 15, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, April 26, 2020
- Coronavirus Communications Update Newsletter, April 13, 2020
- Coronavirus Communication Update Newsletter, March 29, 2020
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FAQs on School Closure
- FAQs for Families
- FAQs on Student Mobile Devices
- FAQs on Q4 Procedures & Final Grades
- FAQs about Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer for Households and Recipients
- FAQs for Employees
- FAQs on Zoom Video Conferencing for Parents/Students
- FAQs on Zoom Video Conferencing for Staff
- FAQs on the Coronavirus Disease
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Press Releases Related to Coronavirus
- Norfolk School Board Votes to Return Students to In-Person Instruction Based on Health Conditions
- Norfolk School Board Votes to Reopen Schools Virtually this Fall, July 22, 2020
- Schools Closed through the End of the School Year, March 23, 2020
- Meal Sites Expanded, March 18, 2020
- Meal Distribution Plan, March 15, 2020
- Governor-ordered Closure for Students, March 13, 2020
- Superintendent Byrdsong Letter, March 12, 2020
- Superintendent Byrdsong Letter, March 11, 2020
- Superintendent Byrdsong Letter, Feb. 28, 2020
- Coronavirus: Share the facts; stop the fear
- The VDH on the coronavirus
- Mental Health Resources
Answers to NPS Employees’ Frequently Asked Questions Updated April 28, 2020
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What are NPS’ staffing expectations during the extended school closure?
All employees are expected to be in a telecommute status and able to work from home unless your department head, principal, or supervisor determines there is a need for you to report to your physical work location.
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What if I don’t have access to the technology I need to work from home?
If you need technical support to work from home, advise your supervisor who will communicate your need to the staff of the Department of Information Technology.
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Will I be paid during the closure period?
All active full-time, contracted employees will continue to be paid as scheduled per their annual contracted salary. However, effective Monday, April 6, NPS will no longer provide additional compensation for full-time, non-exempt contracted employees beyond their normal contracted salary for work performed during their regular contracted work days and hours. The one exception to this guideline will be additional compensation for the non-exempt school nutrition staff who are committed to serving the 12 food distribution sites, as their daily responsibilities require them to be in contact with members of the public.
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If I am a part-time employee, will I be paid during the closure period?
During the mandated closure of Norfolk Public Schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some long-term, part-time hourly employees continued to receive compensation. Effective May 9, 2020, long-term, part-time employees must physically/virtually work to receive compensation. The final compensation date for these employees is scheduled for May 8, 2020, unless they continue to physically/virtually work. School office managers and department secretaries will be required to submit hours for any part-time employee who is physically/virtually working in order for them to receive compensation beyond May 8, 2020. These employees include, but are not limited to, long-term, part-time staff who serve in the following positions:
o Long-Term Substitute Teachers
o Part-Time Adult Basic Education Teachers
o Part-Time Evening School Teachers
o Part-Time Hourly Clerical Support
o Part-Time Hourly Engineers
o Part-Time Hourly Bus Drivers
o Part-Time Hourly Custodians
o Part-Time Hourly Maintenance Workers
o Part-Time Hourly School Nutrition Workers
Below is the contact information for each HR Generalist. o Johnay Brown | Classified Employees | jbrown5@nps.k12.va.us |Ext. 21078 o Sonja Hale | Elementary Teachers | shale@nps.k12.va.us | 21225 o Christopher Meissel | SPED & Resource Teachers | cmeissel@nps.k12.va.us | Ext. 21056 o Michael Sheets | Secondary Teachers | msheets@nps.k12.va.us |Ext. 21073 o Amanda Schilling | Substitute Teachers | aschilling@nps.k12.va.us |Ext. 21305
Note: If an employee who is expected to work becomes ill and is unable to work via telecommute, he/she should communicate with their department head, principal, or supervisor.
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What should I do if I am a part-time employee and have already filed for and received unemployment benefits?
Part-time employees who have already filed for and received unemployment benefits should contact the Virginia Employment Commission with questions related to receiving unemployment benefits while at the same time, receiving compensation from Norfolk Public Schools.
Employees with specific, pay-related questions may contact the appropriate Human Resources Generalist at 757-628-3910 for assistance. Voicemail boxes are being monitored, so leave a telephone number or an e-mail address where you can be contacted. You are strongly advised to e-mail your assigned HR Generalist, as that will be the quickest way to get in touch with a staff member.
Below is the contact information for each HR Generalist. o Johnay Brown | Classified Employees | jbrown5@nps.k12.va.us |Ext. 21078 o Sonja Hale | Elementary Teachers | shale@nps.k12.va.us | 21225 o Christopher Meissel | SPED & Resource Teachers | cmeissel@nps.k12.va.us | Ext. 21056 o Michael Sheets | Secondary Teachers | msheets@nps.k12.va.us |Ext. 21073 o Amanda Schilling | Substitute Teachers | aschilling@nps.k12.va.us |Ext. 21305Note: If an employee who is expected to work becomes ill and is unable to work via telecommute, he/she should communicate with their department head, principal, or supervisor.
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How will overtime be handled during closure?
Overtime compensation will continue to be provided in accordance with the school division’s established policies and procedures, when applicable. Non-exempt employees must obtain approval from their immediate supervisors, and ultimately assigned deputy superintendent, prior to working hours beyond their regular contracted work day and hours.
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How do I know if I am a non-exempt contracted employee?
This group of employees generally includes classified staff members. Classified job groups include, but are not limited to: teacher assistants, clerical support, custodians, facilities maintenance, bus drivers, security officers, school nutrition staff, etc. If you are unsure of your exemption status, contact Johnay Brown, Human Resources Generalist, via email at: jbrown5@nps.k12.va.us or 757-628-3910 ext. 21078.
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What are the work expectations for exempt staff during closure?
Administrators and other exempt school staff should continue to serve their communities by remaining engaged in communication through monitoring e-mails, accepting and returning telephone calls, and fulfilling other job-related duties and responsibilities. Administrators (central office and school level) must be available for any necessary assignments during their regular business operating hours and beyond, when needed.
Teachers are expected to observe virtual office hours during the weekdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The purpose of the virtual office hours is to ensure students and parents/guardians have access to teachers during the closure. However, we acknowledge other tasks will need to be accomplished during what would typically be teachers’ regular contracted hours.
Note: If an employee who is expected to work becomes ill and is unable to work via telecommute, he/she should communicate with their department head, principal, or supervisor. -
Should we notify stakeholders of our operating status via signage, voicemail, and email?
All Norfolk Public Schools department heads, principals, and supervisors should ensure all signage and voicemail greetings are updated with relevant, current information. Below is a suggested message to use on voicemail, which can also be adapted for email.
Hello, you have reached the voicemail of X at/in (add location). During the extended closure of Norfolk Public Schools due to COVID-19, I will be checking voicemail regularly, so you may leave a message. Thank you and stay healthy!
Suggested marquee notices are:
School Closed; Office Hrs. Tues. & Thurs. Appt. OnlyFood Service from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (weekdays) - (for food distributions sites only)