Back to School Info

Hungerford Elementary - Return to School Information –  August 4, 2020


Greetings, Hungerford Families! While there are several details that remain unknown regarding the return to school for the 2020-2021 school year, we did want to create a short FAQ for families to refer to as you all consider your options. Please understand that this current situation is fluid and plans from the state level on down may change. We will frequently update this information page as we learn more about reopening.

1. Will Hungerford be open for the 2020-2021 school year?

Yes, per the Florida DOE order, all Florida public schools must be open and provide face-to-face instruction for all students that wish to attend.  

It is important to note here that school starts for ALL students on August 10th using the LaunchED@Home platform until August 20th.

Starting on August 21st, Hungerford will open for students to attend face-to-face. Families that chose to attend Hungerford through the LaunchED@Home model will continue to attend school online at home until at least the end of the first 9 weeks of school.

2. What are our family’s options regarding sending students to Hungerford or keeping them home during the pandemic?

All OCPS families were asked to select one of three options:

1. Returning to school for face-to-face instruction
2. Withdrawing from Hungerford and enrolling in Orange County Virtual School (OCVS) for 100% online instruction
3. Remain enrolled here at Hungerford, but designate your child for “LaunchED@Home”, which would be a commitment for at least the first marking period.

The registration survey to log in your choice closed on August 27th.

3. Will LaunchED@Home look the same as Distance Learning did at the end of the last school year?

This depends on how many students register for LaunchED@Home. One suggested model for LaunchED@Home is to simply have our teachers live stream their classes as they are happening with your child following along and participating from home. Another model could be that one or more teachers on each grade level team teach LaunchED@Home, broadcasting online during the regular school day schedule. However we end up executing LaunchED@Home, your child will be expected to sign in and participate in school during the regular school day hours.

4. Does the school have a suggestion as to which model families should select?

The district as a whole is encouraging families to pick the “LaunchED@Home” option if your family can do that. This option keeps your child enrolled here at Hungerford and connected with the school and our staff until it is safe for the school to return to normal operations.

5. Will students eat in the cafeteria?

Students might eat in their classrooms or in the cafeteria, depending on how many families pick LaunchED@Home and if we receive more specific direction regarding food service for students. If students are going to eat in the cafeteria, school staff will enforce social distancing and follow CDC guidelines.


6. Will there be recess for elementary schoolers?

Students will still have recess, although they would not be able to use playground equipment. Recesses may be held inside the classrooms like we do on rainy days and then outside on other days, but we will also have to take required precautions including social distancing. Students would not be allowed to handle the same toys or balls, for example, during recess like they normally would.


7. What happens if a student or staff member gets Covid-19 after the reopening?

At this time, we are awaiting direction from the district regarding the procedures for handling and reporting positive Covid-19 cases among students and staff.

In the event of a school shut-down, all students will continue to attend Hungerford from home utilizing the LaunchED@Home model.


8. What happens if a student does not adhere to CDC guidelines and social distancing during the school day?

Refusing to follow health safety procedures will result in a discipline referral and possible suspension from school.

9. Will students have to wear masks and get their temperature checked?

Yes, all students attending face to face must wear masks. Students may have their temperature checked upon arrival or during the school day.

10. What happens if a student starts to feel ill while attending school?

We will designate a separate room for students to be supervised while experiencing possible Covid-19 symptoms (headache, fever, chills, sore throat, etc…) which will allow the school clinic to operate as it usually does for students that have cuts, bumps and bruises or need to take meds. When a student reports experiencing symptoms to us, we will call home to have the student picked up.