In response to COVID-19, the Florida Department of Education has directed that schools not
commence with face-to-face instruction until at least April 16. Accordingly, the Commissioner of
Education authorized schools to be prepared to extend the school year to as late as June 30 to
compensate for lost instructional days.
Educators and parents across the state understand the importance of keeping students engaged with
their academics in an effort to maintain good progress. So that students can stay on track
with their learning, PCA will join other schools in providing remote virtual instruction
beginning March 30 and will continue until it is safe to resume normal
operation. We believe this is in the students’ best interest, and it helps to reduce
the potential extension of the school year into the summer.
With daily input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and guidance from the
Department of Education and the Department of Health, it is our intention to resume regular
classes as soon as reasonably safe to do so.
We are committed to your child’s complete and successful education this year. We
recognize that every family is making sacrifices. PCA is here to help.
The following information contains essential details pertaining to the transition to video
instruction.
Are the offices and bookstore still open?
The school offices and Academy Bookstore are currently open to assure parents have support needed
by phone or in person.
- Office: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
- Academy Bookstore: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
How will academics work?
Lessons missed in March will be delivered—either by video or face-to-face—in April
and May. Our goal is to limit the number of extra days beyond the planned school year; however,
students must successfully complete their coursework in order to progress to the next grade.
Classroom lessons have been pre-recorded by PCA teachers and produced by Abeka. The easiest way
to access these lessons is by streaming them online. If you do not have internet access, we have
the same lessons available on DVD for most classes.
Homeroom teachers will contact parents to find out whether online or DVD options are preferred.
Regardless of delivery format, teachers will be in continual contact with parents by way of
daily e-mails supplemented by regular phone calls to give guidance, tutoring, and assessment of
mastery.
PCA will provide course materials by paper and electronic means. Completed quizzes, tests, and
projects to be graded by the teacher can be uploaded to the parent portal, dropped off at PCA,
or mailed. Teachers will quickly grade the items, post the grades to the parent portal and app,
then follow up with additional guidance over the phone.
Parents may stop by the school Wednesday or Thursday, March 26 or 27, according to the schedule
below to pick up textbooks and supplies. At that time we will also give printed information and
materials specific to each child to get started with the virtual school process.
What about tuition and fees?
Optional service fees (ESD, bus, and music) will be prorated to March 13 and a credit will appear
on accounts. Additionally, tuition will be credited to accounts for the days school has not met.
In an effort to help with challenges by having to balance work while caring for children at home,
tuition will be reduced by 50% for virtual school days and will return to regular rates once
face-to-face instruction resumes. The April statement will reflect these adjustments with the
understanding that regular classroom instruction resumes on April 16. If school is suspended
further, the May statement will be adjusted accordingly.
What about music lessons and groups?
Private lesson teachers will be calling parents seeking input regarding interest in continuing
lessons virtually at the regular lesson rate. Regrettably, performing groups are unable to
continue in a virtual setting. Performing groups will be resumed when students return to school.
How do I pick up my child’s books and supplies from
school?
Stop by your child’s homeroom or locker anytime between 7:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Wednesday
or Thursday, March 26 or 27, to pick up all of your child’s materials—books,
supplies, musical instruments, identifiable lost & found items, etc.
Important: In addition to your child’s belongings, we will provide
the necessary information and materials will be provided to assist with starting the virtual
school process.
In an effort to protect the health of others, please follow the schedule below
and limit the size of your group to one adult with children and do not come to the lobby if you
or anyone in your household is sick. If you or a household member is sick, or if you are
uncomfortable entering the building, please reply to this e-mail with your child’s name as
well as a specific day and time and we will deliver to your car.
Last Name begins with
Day
Date Time
A-E
Wednesday 3/25 7:30
a.m. - 12 noon
F-K
Wednesday 3/25 12
noon - 4:45 p.m.
L-R
Thursday 3/26
7:30 a.m. - 12 noon
S-Z
Thursday 3/26
12 noon - 4:45 p.m.
How do I pick up my child’s medications?
Stop by the office anytime Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. If you call ahead, we
will have it ready for to be delivered to your car.<
What
about returning library books and copies of music?
Library books and music scores should be dropped off when you pick up your child’s books
and supplies. Late fees have been waived. If your child currently has a book checked out for a
project, drop it off once the project is complete.
What calendar changes are coming?
Take a break on Good Friday, but, in order to complete the school year in a timely fashion, we
recommend continuing virtual instruction on the weekdays before and after Good Friday. This
follows the pattern of local schools.
It is impossible to predict when students will be able to return to PCA, but it is our desire to
resume face-to-face instruction on April 16. There are numerous upcoming events—including
recitals, banquets, and graduations—which are dependent upon the resumption of activities.
Calendar adjustments and event cancellations will be sent in future correspondence.
What about sports?
All sports activities are canceled at least until on-campus activities resume. A decision
regarding the remainder of the season will be made at a later date. In preparation for a
possible cancellation to the sports season, sports uniforms should be dropped off when picking
up books and supplies. Please be sure to have returned items labeled.