Sean Jones

sjones@progress-index.com

Online learning programs and meals services are up and running as the schools are adjusting to government mandated closure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The shutdown is currently scheduled to end on March 27, though it could possibly last longer.

With more than 30 states issuing similar mandatory shutdowns, attention quickly turned to nutrition programs for families who rely on their school’s meal services. Two systems in the area — Petersburg and Hopewell — offer free and reduced breakfast and lunch to every child in their schools.

All schools in the area were closed today for cleaning and planning policies for the weeks, and potentially months ahead.

Hopewell announced its mobile meal schedule that will start March 17 and run through April 3 at present time. Breakfast and lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis to all children 18 and under. Meals will be offered at the following times and locations:

Dupont Elementary School Rear Bus Loop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Hopewell Department of Parks and Recreation from 11:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.

Cavalier Square Shopping Center from noon to 12:20 p.m.

Piper Square Housing Authority from 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Davisville Housing Authority from 1 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.

Thomas Rolfe Court Housing Authority from 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

For access to online learning options, HCPS is referring families to the Internet Essentials program from Comcast, which offers free high-speed internet for the first two months.

Petersburg announced that it will be continuing its meals program through grab-and-go options at several of its schools for the duration of the two-week shutdown.

Beginning March 17, breakfast and lunch will be available from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at all schools except Blandford Academy and Vernon Johns Middle School. Students from those schools are directed to the closest school to their home for meals. They will be available at the school’s door or in the parking lot, depending on location.

The system has also distributed a link to parents that outlines online learning links based on grade and subject area. Petersburg is not planning to hold classes at the present moment.

“We have distributed these links to families that we hope they will use during the shutdown” said G. Seth Stephens, a PCPS spokesperson.

Petersburg is currently planned for the current two week shutdown and will update plans if school shutdowns are extended.

Wi-Fi hotspots were offered at Blandford Academy and Petersburg High School. The system said there are only a limited number of those left for families to take home. They will still be available tomorrow at Blandford Academy.

Colonial Heights' message about its distance-learning plan took on a more parental approach toward the students, asking them to "be mindful of their work," but also take care of themselves for the duration. It asks students to check their email addresses daily, adding that teachers and staff will be available remotely to help out.

"We are working diligently to ensure the continuity of our instructional program continues," the system said. "However, we understand circumstances vary for each of our families, and we don't want our students to stress about the work they have received or they will receive."

Dinwiddie is offering optional distance learning for its students through activities and resources outside of the school-system network.

"Content is the sole responsibility of the publisher and ony intended to provide additional opportunities," the system said on its website.

On the private-school side, St. Joseph’s School in downtown Petersburg will also close for the next two weeks. The school began sending assignment packets to their students’ homes Monday afternoon.

Sean Jones may be reached at 804-722-5172 or sjones@progress-index.com/ On Twitter: @Sean_JonesPI. Interim Editor Bill Atkinson contributed to this report.