Cumberland County Public Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
(Updated April 2, 2020)
The closing of schools due to the Coronavirus pandemic has left staff, students, and families with many questions regarding school-related operations and activities. Here are responses to a few of the commonly asked questions.
Please check back often as this page will be updated daily with the most current responses to questions that are important to you.
How do I contact my child’s school?
As of right now, CuCPS school buildings and offices are closed. Luckily, student breakfast and lunch distribution/delivery and learning will continue. If you need to contact administration, teachers, or a staff member, the best way is through email. Email addresses can be found on our CuCPS webpage. If this is not possible, you can call 804-492-4212 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. This number will be answered by Mrs. Sandra Raymond remotely. She will get your messages to the correct people.
You can also contact the following CuCPS staff members through Google Voice:
Ginny Gills, CCES Principal, 804-491-6007
Pamela Stepko, CCES Assistant Principal, 434-352-1435
Ashley Long, CHS Assistant Principal, 804-491-6607
Ashley Lawson, CHS School Counselor, 804-491-6183
We are here to answer your questions. We know this is a time of uncertainty and we want to assist in relieving any stress and anxiety that we possibly can.
How will my child continue to learn during the 2019-2020 school year?
Seniors, we understand that you and your families are anxious and disappointed about the way the senior year has ended. To alleviate any fears, please know this -- if you were on track to graduate on Friday, March 13, 2020, you will be graduating this May.
For those seniors who were not on track to graduate by Friday, March 13, you will be contacted by the high school administration on what work needs to be completed in order to graduate.
As for high school students who are not seniors and are failing a course, you will also be contacted by the high school administration on what work needs to be completed in order to pass the course.
Governor’s School and Dual Enrollment students will also have specific work that must be completed in order to receive dual enrollment credit. If you haven’t already, you will be hearing more from your teachers.
In regards to all other CuCPS students, nongraded learning packets and modules will continue for the remainder of the school year.
Students and families should expect the following from each school:
CCES: A two week packet was mailed on March 27, 2020. CCES will provide additional learning experiences following that time period.
CMS and CHS: New learning modules will be provided on April 6, 2020.
If assignments and activities that were sent home provide weblinks, what do I do if I do not have Internet?
Teachers are trying to implement online instruction through Google Classroom and other online venues, but the school division realizes that not everyone has Internet service. CuCPS has added a “hot spot” in front of Cumberland Middle School. Students may park in front of the school and access the wireless Internet from their cars. Plans are being put into place to have other “hot spots” on buses that will travel to various locations throughout the county. Paper copies of work will also be provided for those students who do not have Internet. CuCPS continues to search for other ways to meet the educational needs of students and parents will be updated as other learning strategies are being implemented.
How can elementary students and their parents access SeeSaw and other online learning platforms?
Logins for SeeSaw and other learning platforms will be distributed with the next learning packets.
As a parent, what if I am having difficulty assisting my child with remote learning?
We feel it is important for students to continue learning throughout the school closure; there tends to be a loss of skills previously learned when they are not practiced or used. If at any time this becomes too much -- take a break from it, reach out for assistance from teachers and administrators, or let us assist your child with the work when we return. However, the last suggestion is not recommended.
Will SOL tests still be given?
There will be no further SOL test given during the 2019-2020 school year.
Will students receive end-of-year report cards?
Students will receive final report cards in the mail at the end of the school year.
Will my child be promoted to the next grade level for the 2020-2021 school year?
Because Cumberland County Public Schools (CuCPS) started school early, most of the content for the school year had already been covered. Students who were on track to pass as of March 13, 2020, will be promoted to the next grade and/or pass the course. Those students who were not on track to pass, will be given work to be completed to bring their grades up if successfully completed.
What will seniors need to do to graduate?
Seniors who were in good standing prior to the closing of schools will graduate in May. Seniors who had failing grades in any courses will be provided an opportunity to bring up their grades.
Will seniors still have to complete the Senior Project?
Seniors who were on track with Senior Project will be deemed as passing and receive credit for Senior Project. Seniors will be asked to submit an informal video clip explaining their projects and what they learned through the process. Mr. Williams will be communicating these expectations to our seniors.
Will there be a graduation ceremony?
There will be a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 when it is deemed safe to do so.
Will there be a prom?
Yes, prom will be held when it is deemed safe to do so.
Will students receive honor roll and end of year certificates?
Yes, certificates will be mailed home with report cards.
How will students receive yearbooks?
Students who ordered yearbooks will receive them in the mail when they are delivered to the school. Students who did not order yearbooks but wish to purchase one will still have a chance to buy them.
When can students register for Prekindergarten or kindergarten?
Dates for registration will be determined as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
How can I pick up my child’s medication stored with the school nurse?
Parents can arrange to pick up a child’s medication by calling 804-492-4212 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to set up a time for pick-up. After you have scheduled a time, a staff member will meet you at the designated school to return medicines.
How do I return my child’s library books, uniforms, and/or other school resources?
Students should keep library books, uniforms, and other school resources at home and return them to school when schools reopen.
How can I pick up my child’s belongings from school?
If your child left materials or belongings at school that are essential for you to have, you should call 804-492-4212 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to set up a time to retrieve these items. However, this should only be done if items are truly indispensable.
Will I receive a refund for field trips that were cancelled?
Yes, refunds will be issued and mailed to parents.
Will I receive a refund for Behind the Wheel?
Yes, refunds will be issued and mailed to parents.
How do I receive breakfast and lunch meals for my child?
Distribution Sites:
Randolph Fire Department, front of CMS, Cartersville Rescue Squad Building
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Delivery: Call Mrs. Sandra Raymond at 492-4212 between 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. weekdays prior to distribution/delivery date
Dates for Distribution/Delivery:
Wednesday, April 1: Each student will receive three breakfast and three lunch meals
Monday, April 6: Each student will receive four breakfast and four lunch meals, plus a Backpacks of Love* food bag
Friday, April 10: Each student will receive six breakfast and six lunch meals, plus a Backpacks of Love* food bag
Spring Break: April 13 - 17, 2020
Following Spring Break: Distribution and Delivery will be every Monday. Each student will receive five breakfast and five lunch meals, plus a Backpacks of Love* food bag
*Backpacks of Love distribution will depend on availability
Virginia Department of Education Frequently Asked Questions